Launch of independent Care Review

The full independent care review group has now been established, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed to a reception of care experienced young people from across Scotland this evening.

The members have been appointed to support the Chair, Fiona Duncan, to undertake an independent review into Scotland’s care system.

The group will look at legislation, practices, culture and ethos of the care system across Scotland. They will listen to young people with experience of care and their families and providers of care and particularly, children and young people in care now, to inform its recommendations to improve both the quality of life and outcomes of young people in care.

The First Minister said:

“Every young person should have an equal opportunity to succeed in life, no matter their circumstances. We should celebrate the progress that has been made that has allowed many of our young people who grow up in care to do great things in life - and those who work with looked after children do an amazing job.

“However, we know that there are still many challenges facing young people in care and that their opportunities are all too often not the same as other young people in Scotland. The care system must and can do better by our most vulnerable children and young people. They need to know they are loved and feel cared for – this review is not about determining if this can be achieved, but how we create a system that puts love for the children it cares for at its heart.

"I’m delighted to be helping to launch the care review at tonight’s event alongside the Chair of the review, Fiona Duncan, and crucially so many people who have experienced care.

“Swift progress has been made setting up the review, culminating with the establishment of the review group, with people with care experience at its heart. I very much welcome all of the members who will be dedicating their time to sit on the review group during this crucial first stage. The wide breadth of experience, expertise and contribution of each panel member is vital in carrying out this review.”

Fiona Duncan, Chair of the Review said:

“My hope is that today’s announcement and event marks the beginning of the conversation. We really can, will and must deliver a Review that changes lives and is transformational. Without the voice of care experience, this Review would not be happening – and without that voice, it will not deliver. Many young people, their families, and professionals involved in the care system have an important contribution to make, and I look forward to learning from them in the coming weeks and months.”

Background

The Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS), at the University of Strathclyde, has been appointed by the Scottish Government to support the independent review of children in care.

To read more about the appointment of Fiona Duncan as Chair of the Independent Care Review here.

The review group includes:

Lex Baillie, Police Scotland

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Joanna McCreadie, Chief Executive of Seamab

Helen Happer, Care Inspectorate

Dorothy Hawthorn, Renfrewshire Council

Carrie Lindsay, Fife Council

Dr Jim McCormick, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Kevin Browne, care experienced member, nominated by Who Cares? Scotland

Stuart Lindsay, care experienced member, nominated by Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS)

Rosie Moore, care experienced member, nominated by CCPS

Alastair Redpath, care experienced member, nominated by the Independent Voluntary Providers Forum

Thomas Timlin, care experienced member, nominated by Scottish Funding Council

The full biographies can be found here.