Evidence library

The Independent Care Review’s aim is to identify and deliver lasting change in Scotland’s ‘care system and leave a legacy that will transform the wellbeing of infants, children and young people.

The Independent Care Review began its work in February 2017 and by November of the same year it was agreed that the Care Review would take up to three years to conclude. A review of Scotland’s ‘care system’ has never been done quite like this, or on this scale before, but the only way significant improvements can be made is by understanding the full extent of what it means to experience care. The lived experience and wisdom of people are at the very heart of the Care Review. That means actively listening to the voices of children and young people in care, care leavers – young and old – and families and carers.

The Care Review has produced five main reports:

• The Promise (and a Pinky Promise for younger readers)
• The Plan
• The Money and Follow the Money
• The RulesThe Promise reflects what over 5,500 care experienced children and adults, families and the paid and unpaid workforce told the Care Review in the hope that Scotland is listening. It will tell Scotland what it must do to make sure its most vulnerable children feel loved and have the childhood they deserve.

The Plan explains how this change must happen.

The Money and Follow the Money explain how Scotland can invest better in its children and families.

The Rules demonstrates the current legislative framework and how it must change to achieve The Promise.