Promises made in the Care Review still remain a priority, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
A pledge has been made to ensure that promises made to care experienced people in Scotland are kept.
The long-awaited Independent Care Review was published in February, following a three-year investigation where 5,500 were quizzed about their experiences of the system. There are about 15,000 children in Scotland’s care system, however the review found many of them were subjected to a system that was fractured and bureaucratic.
The report identified five foundations for change, with over 80 specific changes that must be made to transform how Scotland cares for children and families as well as the unpaid and paid workforce. And a pledge has been made that work to ensure promises made to those who have experienced the care system are kept despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
A statement from the Care Review released this week said the world may have changed since the review was published, but it is more important than ever to ensure young people feel supported.
The statement said: “Since then (the report being published), in a short time, the world has changed and lots remains uncertain in many places and for many people. This may be the situation for some time and Scotland’s resources must continue to be deployed to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
“However, in the midst of this, Scotland must ensure that the commitment to #KeepThePromise is cherished and nurtured. Scotland’s commitment to those for whom it has and has had parenting responsibility is, in many ways, now even more important.
“Scotland must ensure that the voices of children who often suffer the greatest hardship in times of crisis are heard and they are loved, safe and respected. Making change is urgent.
“The Care Review will work with Scottish Government on the longer term vision of keeping The Promise with a small team transitioning to support implementation, ensuring it is as smooth as possible and can be followed by full engagement.
“The momentum, goodwill and commitment created by The Promise and the overdue change it identified must not be lost. The work being done in this period will make sure Scotland is ready to rapidly put in place the infrastructure to deliver The Promise as soon as it is able.”
The independent review, which was instigated by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP conference in 2016, spoke to 5,500 people - more than half of whom had been in care themselves.
The review calculated that services which deliver and surround the care system cost £1.2 billion annually – this includes children and families support services; Children’s Panels; Children’s Hearings Scotland; Scottish Children’s Reporters Administration as well as delivery of other universal services like education and mental health to children in care.
The report has identified five foundations for change, which are: 1) voice of the children must be heard at all stages; 2) what all families need to thrive; 3) care, that builds childhoods for children who Scotland has responsibility 4) people, with a relentless focus on the importance of relationships and 5) scaffolding, so that the structure is there to support children and families when needed.
After its release, organisations, institutions, bodies, communities and groups all across Scotland pledged to #KeepThePromise to ensure action is taken on the back of the review.
Anyone who has been impacted by the Care Review can contact a dedicated helpline which is being operated by Health in Mind. The number - 0808 801 0431 - is staffed by a qualified and experienced counsellor every Mondays between 1pm and 4pm. Health in Mind will call you back if you leave a message outside this time. And a text service is available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 07786 202 875.
