Stand Up for Siblings is delighted to see protecting and supporting sibling relationships is among the 12 key intentions set out by the Independent Care Review that will shape the next stage of its work.
The Care Review has reached an important milestone as it starts its Journey stage. The intentions are all themes that have emerged from the Discovery stage from what was heard during a year of engagement and activities with children and young people who have experienced care, and the people and organisations who work with them.
Here is the full list of intentions:
• Families on the edge of care will get the support they need to stay and live together where safe to do so.
• Scotland’s children and young people will be nurtured, loved and cared for in ways that meet their unique needs.
• Relationships which are significant to children and young people will be protected and supported to continue unless it is not safe to do so. This recognises the importance of brothers and sisters, parents, extended family and trusted adults.
• Care experienced children and young people will thrive in supportive and stable learning and work environments, ensuring they have the same opportunities as others.
• Aftercare will be designed around the needs of the person leaving care supporting them to lead a fulfilling life, for as long as they need it.
• Children and young people’s rights will be part of normal everyday life, practice and decision making.
• Children and young people’s voices will have a visible and meaningful impact on decision making and care planning.
• All adults involved in the care of children and young people are empowered, valued and equipped to deliver the best care system in the world.
• Scotland’s care services will plan and work better together, sharing information more easily to ensure we understand the what and how of supporting children, young people and their families from a local through to a national level.
• Scotland will understand the financial and human cost of care, including what happens when people don’t get the help they need.
• The words used to describe care will be easily understood, positive and not create or compound stigma.
• There will be no stigma for care experienced children and young people in care because Scotland will understand why our children need care.
To learn more about the Independent Care Review in Scotland please go to their website here.