Statement on the Children (Care, Care Experience, Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill
On 19 March 2026, MSPs unanimously voted to pass the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, bringing into law some of the most significant reforms to the children’s care system since the inception of The Promise. Children in Scotland have issued the following statement on this milestone.
Children in Scotland recognises the unanimous passing of the Children (Care, Care Experience, Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill on Thursday 19 March. As an organisation we are fully committed to delivering the aims of The Promise. The unanimous passing of the Bill and scale of engagement from across civil society demonstrates the ongoing support for commitments made within The Promise. We also recognise that aspects of the Bill speak to the personal lived experiences of many families in Scotland, and we are pleased to see public discourse on The Promise continue to uphold the necessary standards of care and sensitivity expected.
“However, we also recognise the concerns raised by partners across the sector about the complexity of the Bill and the potential impact this could have on successful implementation. We know for example that the Children’s Services Planning landscape is already complex, and while changes around the involvement of Integrated Joint Boards may drive improvement, it also could further complicate this cluttered landscape.
“The Promise is about improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and centring the voices of Scotland’s care experienced community. The success of the Children (Care, Care Experience, Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill should be judged on its contribution to these aims. We will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to support its implementation and to ensure the intentions of the legislation are realised on the ground.
– Chris Ross, Policy, Projects and Participation Manager
Read more on the Children (Scotland) Bill on the Scottish Parliament website.
