We are delighted that the Children (Care, Care Experience, Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill has passed with the vital Stage 3 Amendments we championed as part of WhoCares? Scotland’s Action for Advocacy campaign.

By securing a definition of Care Experience in regulation rather than just guidance, Scotland has taken a historic step toward a legislated definition that truly recognises the Care Experienced community. Furthermore, the inclusion of greater accountability measures ensure that all responsible bodies are bound to a higher standard of continuity as we work to keep the Promise by 2030 and beyond.

These amendments align with the lived experience and priorities of the young people we consulted during this Bill, prior to its introduction and during the drafting process. 

Ensuring the voices of the young people we support are heard in all spheres of government will always be a priority for MCR Pathways. We believe that lived experience should be at the heart of policy and lawmaking to ensure the greatest chance of meaningful impact for the intended beneficiary groups.

We remain proud to work with our partner organisations to ensure this Bill now achieves everything it can for the Care Experienced community in Scotland.

For further information about our influencing and policy work, please visit: https://mcrpathways.org/policy-and-influencing/