Scotland’s Pledge to Care-Experienced Children: Progress Report
A recent report from the Oversight Board sheds light on Scotland’s progress in fulfilling a promise made to care-experienced children to ensure their safety and well-being. Despite facing unexpected challenges and systemic barriers, the Scottish Government’s Promise has fallen short of its halfway mark due to issues affecting the workforce and the provision of whole family support.
Five years ago, Scotland vowed to care for children and young people in a loving, safe, and respectful environment. However, the Oversight Board’s findings reveal that significant obstacles, such as inadequate access to family support, housing barriers, and challenges in supporting kinship, adoption, and foster carers, have hindered the promise’s fulfillment.
Furthermore, the report identifies short-term funding cycles, strained services, and ongoing struggles with social worker retention and recruitment as additional obstacles on the path to delivering on the Promise.
Expert Insights and Call to Action
David Anderson, chair of the Oversight Board, emphasizes the critical importance of keeping the Promise, drawing attention to the personal experiences that drive board members to advocate for care-experienced children. He calls for decisive action, urging a shift in spending priorities, innovative approaches, and a focus on meaningful outcomes rather than political expediency.
Anderson acknowledges that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that the right support reaches children and families when needed. Despite the current lag in progress, he remains optimistic about the possibility of meeting the Promise by 2030, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Natalie Don-Innes, the minister for children, young people, and the Promise, echoes the commitment to safeguarding children’s well-being and potential. She highlights the positive steps taken so far, such as a reduction in the number of looked-after children, increased investment in family support, and the cessation of admissions of children under 18 to young offender institutions. Don-Innes emphasizes the government’s dedication to listening to care-experienced individuals and incorporating their insights into policy-making.
As Scotland approaches the halfway point on its journey to keep the Promise, the government’s efforts to shape the Promise Bill underscore a collaborative approach that values the voices and experiences of those directly impacted by these policies.
In conclusion, while Scotland faces challenges in meeting its commitments to care-experienced children, there is a shared determination among stakeholders to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment. The road ahead may be challenging, but with continued dedication and a focus on meaningful action, Scotland can deliver on its Promise by 2030. The clock is ticking, and there is no time to waste in securing a brighter future for the next generation.