CELCIS – Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection - statement on the conclusions and recommendations of the Independent Care Review

Welcoming the publication of the Review report and conclusions today, CELCIS's Deputy Executive Director, Claire Burns said:

"Today is the most important day we have ever seen for the care and protection of children and young people in Scotland, giving us all the opportunity to bring about the vital changes we must see and are working to achieve.

"There is nothing more powerful than learning from experience. We are completely indebted to those who have contributed to the Review, sharing their experiences, dedicating their insight to the process and sacrificing their time, and, of course, to those who campaigned for and led the calls for a review.

"Our work with services shows that change is possible. Maintaining a status quo isn't an option: we know that while there is some good practice, too many of our children and young people are not thriving under Scotland's care.

"Putting the best interests of the child in all decision-making and service provision is not a choice, it is a duty and an obligation that we should all embrace at the core of everything we do: it is a privilege to do our best for all our children.

"With this Review's significant assessment and recommendations we will all be more readily able to see where and how to address what simply isn't working, and CELCIS will continue to welcome every opportunity to do what we know is possible and essential in order to improve the lives of infants, children, young people, and their families, by responding to their need for care and protection in ways that uphold their rights."

Notes

CELCIS is a leading improvement and innovation centre in Scotland. We improve children's lives by supporting people and organisations to drive long-lasting change in the services they need, and the practices used by people responsible for their care.