Scotland is at a pivotal moment in its dedication to reforming youth care services.
Topics covered
As the debate surrounding Scotland’s care system evolves, Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister, has labeled the failure to achieve the Promise as ‘unthinkable.’ This sentiment underscores the pressing necessity to enhance the lives of young individuals who have navigated the complexities of the care system.
During her final appearance as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon emphasized that complacency cannot be an option. While recognizing that the current legislative efforts might not meet every expectation, she urged stakeholders to support the existing proposals as a foundation for future improvements.
Understanding the Promise and its implications
The Promise, launched in 2020, aims to transform the experiences of young people in care, with a target to realize significant changes by the end of this decade. Sturgeon remarked that achieving this goal would require a profound shift in societal attitudes and a commitment to placing young people at the center of policy-making.
The role of legislation
Sturgeon articulated that while the current legislative framework, known as the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, has its limitations, it includes provisions that can potentially alter the lives of many. Yet, this leads to a crucial discussion on whether the Bill’s scope is sufficiently broad to encompass all necessary changes.
Ryan McShane, a member of the Oversight Board and an individual with personal experience in the care system, voiced his concerns regarding the Bill’s adequacy. He asserted that the existing legislation does not fully embody the spirit of the Promise, describing it as too narrow in its focus. McShane urged the Scottish Government to reconsider the timeline for the Bill, advocating for a delay that would allow for the inclusion of more comprehensive measures aimed at improving outcomes for young people in care.
Voices from the care experience community
Alongside McShane, Ethan Mulhall from Who Cares? Scotland echoed similar sentiments. He expressed apprehension about the potential for the Bill to be rushed through the legislative process, noting that it is concerning that significant progress is only being initiated five years after the Promise was first declared.
Sturgeon defended the current Bill, asserting that while it may not reflect every desired aspect, it does contain vital elements that can initiate meaningful change. She encouraged the passing of the Bill as a stepping stone, with the understanding that further legislative efforts could take place following the upcoming May elections.
Challenges in implementation
Recent findings from the Auditor General and the Accounts Commission highlighted a lack of adequate planning and foresight in the initial phases of implementing the Promise. The report suggested that the Scottish Government and local councils had not thoroughly considered the resources needed or how to effectively measure progress over the ten-year timeline set forth.
The report emphasized the necessity for a cohesive partnership approach among various stakeholders, including national and local government entities. It pointed out that the absence of a robust framework for measuring success has contributed to slow advancements in fulfilling the Promise’s objectives.
In response to the report, a joint statement from the involved organizations, including the Scottish Government and Cosla, acknowledged the findings and reiterated their commitment to the Promise. They recognized the need for a well-structured plan and monitoring system to catalyze the required momentum for change.
Looking ahead
During her final appearance as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) at the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Sturgeon emphasized that complacency cannot be an option. While recognizing that the current legislative efforts might not meet every expectation, she urged stakeholders to support the existing proposals as a foundation for future improvements.0
