First Minister announces to review the care system

CELCIS is delighted with the First Minister's announcement to review the care system, and in particular the new level of prominence which will be given to children and young people's views in the process.

The Review is a fantastic opportunity to keep looked after children at the centre of national attention, bringing together people with experience and insight to identify the changes Scotland needs to make if it is going to be the best place to grow up for children in care.

The First Minister acknowledged existing strengths of the system, the committed people working within it, and the genuine challenges involved in providing compassionate care for children who have had adverse experiences. The review is a chance to consider these challenges in depth, and to learn from and build on what already works well.

Changing the system from one which stops things happening to children, to one which makes things happen for them, has been a clear message over many years from children and young people with care experience, and CELCIS is delighted that this has been so well received by the First Minister.

Commenting on the announcement, Jennifer Davidson, Director at CELCIS, said:

"From our range of work across Scotland, we have learnt that the people who work in the system, and the children and young people who have experience of being in care want the same thing; for children to enjoy the best possible start in life that we can give them, full of compassion, warmth and opportunity. We are delighted that the Review will explore how to better achieve this very aim.

We are also very pleased that the First Minister is demonstrating clear global leadership by supporting such an empowering, participatory approach at a national level, which in itself promotes and realises Children's Rights in profoundly important ways.

We very much look forward to working with the Review Leader and his/her team to make this a fruitful and transformative process for Scotland."