Review of legislative landscape for children in care announced

The review, to be led by Professor Kenneth Norrie, a leading authority on family law in Scotland, is expected to conclude within 12 months. He will work in partnership with the Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) which works to improve policy and practice in supporting families.

The review will build on initial exploratory work carried out by The Promise Scotland and will gather evidence on whether the existing legislative framework should be revised, and advise on how doing so could deliver practical and tangible benefits for children, families and the workforce.

Natalie Don-Innes, minister for children, young people and the promise, announced the review as part of the Scottish government’s response to the stage one committee report on the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Our aim is for children and young people to receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe and respected.

“Individuals and organisations have told me how challenging it is both to access the right support at the right time and to interpret the law around the care journey.

“This independent review will consider any opportunities to simplify the legislative landscape, to maximise practical benefits for children, their families and the professionals that support them. I am pleased that Professor Norrie has agreed to lead this work, which will sit alongside broader proposals within the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill.

“The bill will help us take forward our commitment to Keep the Promise, by providing a legal right to advocacy, expanding aftercare support, and supporting smoother transitions between children’s and adult services – which people with care experience have told us they need, and I urge members across the Chamber to back the bill’s general principles at Stage 1 this week.”