Non-compulsory care for children and young people: What next for Scotland? Learning from research on Section 25

Published in September, Non-compulsory care for children and young people in Scotland: Learning from experiences of Section 25, research carried out by CELCIS, found that non-compulsory arrangements for caring for children and young people in need of care and protection in Scotland are used more commonly, and for a wider range of reasons, than previously understood.

The study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, looked into the use of arrangements made under Section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, which increased by 50% between 2013 and 2023. From listening to the views of parents, social workers, solicitors, children’s reporters and independent advocates, it found that parents often do not fully understand Section 25 arrangements and can feel that they have no choice but to agree to these, and that social workers often experience ethical challenges using Section 25 arrangements and in gaining consent from parents.

Ahead of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 turning 30 years old in 2025, this webinar provided an opportunity to learn more about the research findings and consider how these arrangements are now used to support children, young people and families.

Who did we hear from?

Presenting a multi-agency perspective, attendees heard from:

Dr Robert Porter, Research Lead at CELCIS
Dr Brandi Lee Lough Dennell, Research Associate at CELCIS
Vivien Thomson, Children and Families Policy and Practice Lead at Social Work Scotland
Professor Tarja Pösö, Department of Social Work at the University of Tampere, Finland
Catriona Grant, Development Lead & Consultant Social Worker from the parent-led group Parental Advocacy and Rights (PAR).

In conversation with Claire Burns, Director of CELCIS, our speakers:

Provided an overview of the research findings
Discussed the purpose of Section 25 arrangements
Reflected on the disagreements around how and when Section 25 arrangements are used, and issues around the use of the term ‘voluntary’
Discussed what this research means for parents in Scotland, social work practice, and academia
Considered the next steps for Scotland

This free webinar recording is suitable for everyone with a role and interest in what’s happening to better protect children and young people in Scotland, including families and carers, social workers and the wider social care sector, policy makers, advocates, teachers, health professionals, academics, and all those working to protect and support children and young people.