SASW pledges support to care system review

SASW has pledged to support the “root and branch” review of Scotland’s care system announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the SNP party conference.

Announcing her plans in her closing speech to an audience including young people with experience of the care system, Ms Sturgeon said she often heard from young people that “the system feels like it is designed only to stop things happening”. Ms Sturgeon told delegates the review would be driven by those who have experience of care, saying: "These young people have challenged me to accept Who Cares? Scotland's pledge to listen to 1,000 care experienced young people over the next two years. And then to use what they tell me to help make their lives better. I've accepted that challenge."

Commenting on the review announcement, SASW Manager Trisha Hall said: “We are pleased to note the First Minster’s announcement and commend Who Cares? Scotland and the young people with lived experience of our ‘looked after’ systems for the energy and commitment shown to bringing this to the fore.

“We will support the review where we can, and hope that any exercise will lead to positive change. Prevention of children and young people coming into the care system must start with ensuring every child and every family within every community in Scotland has the right basic life chances. For those children and young people who need to be accommodated and looked after by the state, we must ensure that the state is the best parent possible. We hope the outcome of the review and subsequent action will enable that process to start.”