Over 30 groups have joined forces ahead of May’s election.
More than 30 organisations have called on the next Scottish Government and Parliament to commit to keeping a promise made to Scotland’s children.
The promise, that all of Scotland’s children grow up loved, safe and respected and realise their full potential, was made in 2020 after more than 5,500 children and adults with experience of care and members of the workforce shared their views on what needed to change.
When the promise was made, it received full cross-party support in Holyrood.
As Scotland passes the halfway point to when the promise must be kept, by 2030, organisations and individuals working to keep the promise, are calling on all of Scotland’s political parties to state their commitment through the duration of the next parliament.
The joint letter has been sent to political parties in Scotland, alongside the launch of The Promise Scotland’s election publication: ‘Ensuring Scotland’s children grow up loved, safe and respected: How the next Scottish Government and Parliament can make sure that Scotland keeps the promise’.
The election publication from The Promise Scotland covers the areas the organisation, which was set up to support those working to create change, say must be prioritised after the next election and helps to support discussions and guide decisions.
This includes ensuring early help and support for families will be available when required; and the voices of children, families and care experienced adults will hold genuine power in the decisions that impact their lives.
It also highlights the need to address rates of poverty, transform public services, end homelessness for care experienced young people and families, and create more straightforward legislation and rules so children, families, and care experienced people and the workforce know and uphold their rights.
Fraser McKinlay, chief executive of The Promise Scotland, said: “When the promise was made in 2020, it was made with enthusiastic support and commitment from all parties in the Scottish Parliament. This support was reaffirmed in November 2024.
“A lot of progress has been made, which has to be celebrated, much of this would not have been achieved without cross party support. So this election must see a commitment from all parties to see the promise kept by 2030. We are delighted to see organisations across Scotland join us in this call.
“Things must change. The existing model of public service delivery in Scotland is not sustainable to support the changes demanded by the promise.
“It requires breaking down the systemic barriers getting in the way of; safely keeping families together; ensuring children who cannot remain at home are safe, loved and protected; young people transitioning out of care will be safe, happy, loved and prepared as they move from childhood to adulthood; and care experienced adults will know and understand the rights and access help and support when needed.
“The next Scottish Government and Parliament is in a privileged position, to be the ones who keep the promise, so they must grasp this opportunity and create the environment for it to happen.”
