The Scottish Government has sought views, through the National Care Service for Scotland consultation, on creating a community health and social care service that supports people of all ages.

Following extensive consultation with the CHS Community (which includes Board members, National Team staff and volunteers), Children’s Hearings Scotland has responded to the consultation.

Children’s Hearings Scotland is committed to improvement and change within the children’s hearings system. Our organisation broadly welcomes the proposal of a National Care Service on the basis that it results in more integrated, improved provision to children, young people and families, that consistently upholds and enhance children’s rights and results in better outcomes.

However, there is currently limited detail or evidence to reach a definitive position in relation to this complex question. Our organisation believes that a detailed children’s rights impact assessment process, that fully involves children, young people and their families, and organisations that support them, would help assess the impact of the proposed National Care Service for Scotland on advancing children’s rights.

Children’s Hearings Scotland’s Chief Executive, Elliot Jackson said, “Our primary consideration is that the development of any new or existing service fully respects and furthers the rights of children and young people. Any change that is implemented must reflect: the Kilbrandon principle that children and young people deserve our care and support, and our commitment, through The Promise, to Scotland’s children, young people and their families.”

You can read our full consultation response here.