Tracy is a former graduate of the University of Stirling having obtained her 1st class LLB in 2011. She subsequently went on to complete her doctoral thesis at Northumbria University. This work developed a theory of rights which recognises that law should be sensitive to the neurological and biological development of children as they approach adulthood.
Tracy currently sits on the Scottish Government advisory board for the Children's Rights Implementation Group for Children in Conflict with the Law and the subgroup on Speech Language Communication needs. This work is underpinned by the Youth Justice Vision published in 2021.
Tracy is an external member of the Scottish Government's Education Reform Policy and Legislation Delivery Board.
Tracy's research interests lie predominately in international children's rights. Her work lies across a range of disciplines and she has a particular passion for children's rights within education.
Much of Tracy's work focuses upon making rights accessible to others. She has previously supported the Scottish Parliament engage with more child friendly approaches to consultations.
Tracy has supported the work of Parliamentary Committees at Holyrood with a particular focus upon the views of children and young people, and rights in education.
Article
Children as Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Spies First, Children Second
Arthur R & Kirk T (2023) Children as Covert Human Intelligence Sources: Spies First, Children Second. Youth Justice, p. 147322542311541. https://doi.org/10.1177/14732254231154160