Improving outcomes for children, young people and families: review of Children’s Services Plans and strategic engagement activity

Foreword

We are delighted to share this report providing an overview of Children's Services Planning across Scotland.

Children's Services Planning Partnerships (CSPPs) are key to delivering our ambitions for children, young people and families, bringing together all those organisations that have a part to play in improving outcomes.

CSPPs were established through the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (Part 3). The legislation requires them to develop and publish their Children's Services Plans every three years, setting out how the partnership will work together collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people in their area.

The legislation also requires those Plans to be reviewed against set criteria, on behalf of Scottish Ministers. This report reviews the extent to which Scotland's 30 Children's Services Plans for the period 2020-2023 meet the criteria. Recognising that Plans only tell part of the story, the analysis has been supplemented with findings from strategic engagement activity to provide further insight into the current delivery context and the effectiveness of the planning process. The review has highlighted areas of strength in Children's Services Planning, as well as areas where improvements are needed.

We look forward to working with the Strategic Leads of CSPPs, through the Strategic Leads Network, to improve the effectiveness of strategic planning and to ensure CSPPs continue to play a strong role in shaping and delivering services as we work together to navigate the changes ahead.

Carrie Lindsay
Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services
Fife Council
Co-Chair of Strategic Leads Network

Michael Chalmers
Director of Children and Families
Scottish Government
Co-Chair of Strategic Leads Network