This article reflects on the progress made in implementing 'The Promise', a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Scotland's care system. It emphasizes the importance of continued commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders, including the government, councils, and the wider community, to ensure that every child in Scotland feels loved, safe, and supported.
The Promise is, without a doubt, one of the most important policies I spearheaded as First Minister of Scotland . It came from my heart as much as my head. It speaks to the kind of country we want Scotland to be - one where every child feels loved, safe and respected. Once delivered, it will stand as evidence of the incredible difference governments can make to the lives of the people they serve, if they choose to do so.
It also powerfully illustrates that politics at its best is always personal. Speaking and listening to children and young people who had experienced the care system moved me more deeply than I ever thought possible. Their honesty and openness was remarkable, and they left me with no question in my mind about what needed to be done. In 2016, I announced a root and branch review of Scotland's care system. In February 2020 - exactly five years ago - the outcome of the review gave rise to The Promise - an unequivocal commitment I made on behalf of the country to every care experienced young person, past, present and future. I promised that the system would change. I promised that we would ensure that every child and young person who depends on it will grow up loved and valued; that they will have the same life chances as their non-care-experienced peers. I am no longer First Minister but I will always seek to honour the promise I made them by doing everything I can to see it delivered on time and in full. The Scottish Government has a significant part to play in this but, if we are to see meaningful change, we must also recognise the role many others have. Whether it be MSPs, COSLA, schools or NHS Scotland - we all must live up to the responsibilities we all have. Change on this scale requires a whole-system, whole-society approach. The Scottish Government has acted and shown leadership on The Promise in many ways already- including introducing the care-experienced student bursary, ending the incarceration of young people in Polmont, progressing the care leaver payment and the new allowance for foster and kinship carers. Each and every one of these actions is making a difference for care experienced children and young people today. However, in order to deliver The Promise, we must see an increase in the scale and pace of change. Continuing as we are is not good enough. This means providing families the support they need to stay together wherever possible by delivering the full Whole-Family Wellbeing fund by 2026. This will ensure that families are supported so that fewer children have to go into care in the first place. It means every council across Scotland setting, tracking and sharing the progress being made in their area. And it means collaborating - working together and pushing each other to go further, faster. I believe not just that we must, but that we can, fulfil each of these commitments. There should be no doubt that what we are doing in Scotland with The Promise is groundbreaking. Countries across the globe are watching. We have led the way with our comprehensive review of the care system and, if delivered, the changes we are making will be trailblazing. We are now half way into the 10 year implementation plan and we must use this milestone to reflect on the progress that has been made but also to resolve to do better. Of course we should rightly celebrate the steps forward that have been taken but we must also be brutally honest about the areas where more progress is needed. A promise is not kept until it is delivered. We all need to raise our game. Politicians, Councils, Government. We must show the leadership that all of the children and young people in Scotland deserve. It is not acceptable for anyone to be left behind. For my part, I will continue to do all I can to make sure the necessary work is happening to #KeepThePromise and to create a Scotland where every child and young person feels safe, loved and supported to thrive
Child Welfare The Promise Scotland Care System Child Welfare Social Policy Government Reform Collaboration Child Rights
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