Scottish Government
At a national level, the state establishes a legal framework and provides resources for services that orchestrate broad welfare aims, such as regulating those who select, vet and train carers. At a local level, professionals… assume responsibility for various aspects of a child’s life, such as placement in a family, safety, education and health. At the personal level, parenting responsibilities are allocated to carers who provide the face-to-face aspects of looking after children and therefore the long-term benefits. (Bullock et al, 2006)
'It is important for the heads of care to know the views of young people in care: That way they will be able to make decisions and plan ahead - knowing what young people in care want.'
Sam
Politicians and policymakers in Scottish Government are responsible for setting the legislative framework within which corporate parenting can be as effective as possible.
The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and associated regulations (see appendix 2) provide that framework. The policies which support this work are described in appendix 1. These policies are all aimed at achieving a culture change in Scotland where we take an outcomes-based approach, with long-term commitment, where we value all of our citizens including the most vulnerable.
In partnership with local government and others through the Concordat Scottish Government is committed to improving public services to deliver excellence, through early intervention and prevention and multi-agency working.
The Scottish Government will help to improve outcomes for looked after children and young people, and care leavers through demonstrating that national leadership and doing everything possible to support joint working across public services and to remove barriers where they exist.
You will want to:
- make sure that policy development across Scottish Government activity takes cognisance of the needs of looked after children and young people, and care leavers.
- make sure that stakeholders are fully engaged in policy development and legislative change.
Downloadable resources
Read the full version of this section of the Corporate Parenting Guidance on the Scottish Government website.
Personal stories
Olivia McLeod
Depute Director of the Scottish Government Care and Justice division explains how politicians and practioners work together to improve services.