I thank Fulton MacGregor for securing the debate and for highlighting the work of the cross-party group on social work.

Supporting children and young people to grow up loved, safe and respected sits at the heart of keeping the Promise. For those who can no longer live with their birth families, adoptive families play a vital role in providing safe, loving and nurturing homes. I know that members have personal experiences with that and care deeply about the issue, and I want to be clear that it is a priority for the Government. Last week, I made clear my vision for all care-experienced children, young people and adults to be supported in the way that best suits their needs.

I will respond to a number of points that were raised in today’s debate, but, given that this is my final speech, I will take a minute to thank the people of the constituency that I represent—Renfrewshire North and West. Everything that I have achieved over the past five years would not have happened if the good people of Renfrewshire North and West had not put their faith in me at the previous election. It has meant so much to me to be able to represent them, stand up for their interests in our Scottish Parliament and support them when needed.

I also want to say a huge thank you to my office staff, who have been there day and night to assist me. My team and I have worked to ensure that families in my constituency and across Scotland get the support that they need, particularly during the UK Government-inflicted cost of living crisis. Whether on social security, housing support or local issues and priorities; on initiatives and issues such as championing local breastfeeding-friendly support or parking at the Royal Alexandra hospital; or by ensuring that our local play parks get the investment that they need, I have always tried to be a voice for those who do not have one and for those who need it most.

Going forward, the constituency of Renfrewshire North and West will be no more, as the boundary changes take hold, so I say one last time to the amazing people of Bridge of Weir, Houston, Bishopton, Erskine, Langbank, Gallowhill, Renfrew, Inchinnan and Kilmacolm—thank you.

There are too many others to thank, but I will give it a quick go. I want to thank my colleagues across the chamber, my party’s spokespeople, Roz McCall, Martin Whitfield, Jeremy Balfour and others I have worked with on a number of issues in the Parliament for their continued engagement with, and dedication to, helping Scotland’s children and young people. I also thank them for their lovely words, both tonight and last week. I am not very good at taking compliments, but please be assured that I am extremely thankful for everything that has been said.

I want to thank my private office and the Parliament staff, who go to so much effort to ensure that we MSPs have what we need.

I put on record my thanks to my cabinet secretary, Jenny Gilruth. Ms Gilruth has been such a huge support to me throughout my time in government. Entering government is not straightforward or simple, but it is made so much easier when you have solid experience and support around you. I am so thankful not only to have worked under Ms Gilruth but to have gotten to know her, and I wish her all the best for the future.

Adoption can be hugely positive, but the early adversity and loss of their birth family faced by many children can have lasting impacts on their development, wellbeing and relationships. I recognise that adoptive families might need support at different stages of their journey. As members have said, it is not simply the case that, once an adoption process is complete, support is no longer needed—far from it. That has been made very clear to me when I have been out meeting adoptive families, and it has been raised with me by Mr MacGregor, too.

Our adoption vision statement, which was published in November 2024, was developed with the adoption community. It sets out Scotland’s vision for the future of adoption and makes it very clear that consistent and comprehensive post-adoption support, accessible when and where required and, indeed, throughout life, is essential. The vision identified key actions, which we have made significant progress in delivering. We are continuing to invest in that work, and I have a lot to say about that, but I am sure that, given the time, members would rather that I focus on what we will do, so I will move on to that.

During the passage of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, I heard about the challenges faced by many adoptive families in accessing post-adoption support. Those concerns have been echoed again today and in the cross-party group’s report. Families have described gaps and inconsistencies in the support that is available to them, and I think that their experiences underline why this debate really matters and why, as other members have said, support must be timely, consistent and aligned with the needs of adopted children and their families.

As I stated at stage 3 of the bill, I will make very clear to the incoming Government the importance of reviewing the adoption support sections of the 2011 adoption and looked-after children guidance. That review should also consider whether new statutory guidance should be issued on adoption support services under the existing powers in the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. I believe that that work will provide a structured opportunity to examine the range of issues raised by families and practitioners, including practice models, practitioner training, preparation and support, crisis intervention, respite and the use of adoption allowances, which is, I know, another area where there is great inconsistency. We will work closely with adoptive families and practitioners throughout the process to ensure that any future changes are evidence based and are responsive to children’s needs.

Families have emphasised the value of support that is grounded in lived experience. Peer support plays a key role and, to strengthen its consistency and visibility, the bill that was passed last week will require local authorities to promote awareness and uptake of peer support services throughout the adoption process and after adoption has taken place. As Mr MacGregor has highlighted, the issue of timing and when such support is offered is key, and I hope that the changes that I have referred to will help improve things.

Concerns were raised at stage 3 of the bill, and have been raised again today, that current data underestimates the true scale of adoption breakdowns in Scotland. That is why I confirmed last week that I will make clear to the incoming Government the importance of progressing work early in the next session of Parliament to develop a shared definition of adoption breakdown. That work will be developed with adoptive families and delivery partners to ensure that it reflects lived experience and supports a consistent national approach.

I have also heard loud and clear from the adoptive community about the need, when adopted people are accessing services, for more consistent recognition that they are care experienced. Regulations and guidance that will be produced under section 5 of the bill will set out a broad and inclusive definition of care experience that explicitly includes adopted children and young people. We will work closely with the adoption community to ensure that the guidance reflects lived experience and supports effective access to services.

I began my speech by recognising the commitment of adoptive families in providing safe and loving—

That must be recognised. Child and adolescent mental health services are key for adoptive families, but they stretch into other areas of our work to deliver the Promise, because there are a lot of children and young people who face challenges in that regard. As members will know, the Promise is a shared commitment across the Government. Although we have invested heavily in CAMHS, there might be more to do to ensure that children and young people get the support that they need.

I have acknowledged the challenges that adoptive families face, the need to strengthen support and the dedication of the practitioners who support those families. I again thank Fulton MacGregor for securing this debate. As I said last week, I and the adoptive community are confident that he will continue to champion the rights of adoptive families with great care and dedication. I have certainly enjoyed working with Mr MacGregor throughout my time in the Parliament, and I know that he is deeply committed to this cause.

The Government remains firmly committed to standing alongside adoptive families and to working with them and the wider community as we take forward the actions that I have set out. We will continue to listen, learn and act.

Yes, of course.

I thank Fulton MacGregor for securing the debate and for highlighting the work of the cross-party group on social work.

Supporting children and young people to grow up loved, safe and respected sits at the heart of keeping the Promise. For those who can no longer live with their birth families, adoptive families play a vital role in providing safe, loving and nurturing homes. I know that members have personal experiences with that and care deeply about the issue, and I want to be clear that it is a priority for the Government. Last week, I made clear my vision for all care-experienced children, young people and adults to be supported in the way that best suits their needs.

I will respond to a number of points that were raised in today’s debate, but, given that this is my final speech, I will take a minute to thank the people of the constituency that I represent—Renfrewshire North and West. Everything that I have achieved over the past five years would not have happened if the good people of Renfrewshire North and West had not put their faith in me at the previous election. It has meant so much to me to be able to represent them, stand up for their interests in our Scottish Parliament and support them when needed.

I also want to say a huge thank you to my office staff, who have been there day and night to assist me. My team and I have worked to ensure that families in my constituency and across Scotland get the support that they need, particularly during the UK Government-inflicted cost of living crisis. Whether on social security, housing support or local issues and priorities; on initiatives and issues such as championing local breastfeeding-friendly support or parking at the Royal Alexandra hospital; or by ensuring that our local play parks get the investment that they need, I have always tried to be a voice for those who do not have one and for those who need it most.

Going forward, the constituency of Renfrewshire North and West will be no more, as the boundary changes take hold, so I say one last time to the amazing people of Bridge of Weir, Houston, Bishopton, Erskine, Langbank, Gallowhill, Renfrew, Inchinnan and Kilmacolm—thank you.

There are too many others to thank, but I will give it a quick go. I want to thank my colleagues across the chamber, my party’s spokespeople, Roz McCall, Martin Whitfield, Jeremy Balfour and others I have worked with on a number of issues in the Parliament for their continued engagement with, and dedication to, helping Scotland’s children and young people. I also thank them for their lovely words, both tonight and last week. I am not very good at taking compliments, but please be assured that I am extremely thankful for everything that has been said.

I want to thank my private office and the Parliament staff, who go to so much effort to ensure that we MSPs have what we need.

I put on record my thanks to my cabinet secretary, Jenny Gilruth. Ms Gilruth has been such a huge support to me throughout my time in government. Entering government is not straightforward or simple, but it is made so much easier when you have solid experience and support around you. I am so thankful not only to have worked under Ms Gilruth but to have gotten to know her, and I wish her all the best for the future.

Adoption can be hugely positive, but the early adversity and loss of their birth family faced by many children can have lasting impacts on their development, wellbeing and relationships. I recognise that adoptive families might need support at different stages of their journey. As members have said, it is not simply the case that, once an adoption process is complete, support is no longer needed—far from it. That has been made very clear to me when I have been out meeting adoptive families, and it has been raised with me by Mr MacGregor, too.

Our adoption vision statement, which was published in November 2024, was developed with the adoption community. It sets out Scotland’s vision for the future of adoption and makes it very clear that consistent and comprehensive post-adoption support, accessible when and where required and, indeed, throughout life, is essential. The vision identified key actions, which we have made significant progress in delivering. We are continuing to invest in that work, and I have a lot to say about that, but I am sure that, given the time, members would rather that I focus on what we will do, so I will move on to that.

During the passage of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, I heard about the challenges faced by many adoptive families in accessing post-adoption support. Those concerns have been echoed again today and in the cross-party group’s report. Families have described gaps and inconsistencies in the support that is available to them, and I think that their experiences underline why this debate really matters and why, as other members have said, support must be timely, consistent and aligned with the needs of adopted children and their families.

As I stated at stage 3 of the bill, I will make very clear to the incoming Government the importance of reviewing the adoption support sections of the 2011 adoption and looked-after children guidance. That review should also consider whether new statutory guidance should be issued on adoption support services under the existing powers in the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007. I believe that that work will provide a structured opportunity to examine the range of issues raised by families and practitioners, including practice models, practitioner training, preparation and support, crisis intervention, respite and the use of adoption allowances, which is, I know, another area where there is great inconsistency. We will work closely with adoptive families and practitioners throughout the process to ensure that any future changes are evidence based and are responsive to children’s needs.

Families have emphasised the value of support that is grounded in lived experience. Peer support plays a key role and, to strengthen its consistency and visibility, the bill that was passed last week will require local authorities to promote awareness and uptake of peer support services throughout the adoption process and after adoption has taken place. As Mr MacGregor has highlighted, the issue of timing and when such support is offered is key, and I hope that the changes that I have referred to will help improve things.

Concerns were raised at stage 3 of the bill, and have been raised again today, that current data underestimates the true scale of adoption breakdowns in Scotland. That is why I confirmed last week that I will make clear to the incoming Government the importance of progressing work early in the next session of Parliament to develop a shared definition of adoption breakdown. That work will be developed with adoptive families and delivery partners to ensure that it reflects lived experience and supports a consistent national approach.

I have also heard loud and clear from the adoptive community about the need, when adopted people are accessing services, for more consistent recognition that they are care experienced. Regulations and guidance that will be produced under section 5 of the bill will set out a broad and inclusive definition of care experience that explicitly includes adopted children and young people. We will work closely with the adoption community to ensure that the guidance reflects lived experience and supports effective access to services.

I began my speech by recognising the commitment of adoptive families in providing safe and loving—

Presiding Officer,

“We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.”

No law can achieve such an ambition on its own, but it can create the conditions, the support and the services that make it possible. That is what the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill does.

I thank every child, young person and adult with care experience who has contributed their views, experiences and ideas to shape the bill. I know that some of them planned to be in the gallery for the debate and many more are watching online.

When Fiona Duncan agreed to lead Scotland’s independent care review in 2016, she set in motion the action that was needed to challenge, encourage and transform the system—and that continues to this day. Equally, I recognise the leadership of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, whose commitment to the Promise helped to ensure that the findings of the care review were not only heard but acted on. Her determination to place care-experienced children and young people at the centre of national policy has been instrumental in driving that work forward and setting the direction that we continue to build on today.

I also thank the committed individuals and organisations across Scotland who are working tirelessly every day to implement the Promise and improve lives. It has been a privilege to visit many of them, to see their work at first hand and to witness their passion and determination.

The bill gives effect to the five foundations of the care review. We promised that children would be listened to and meaningfully and appropriately involved in all decisions about their care. Through the bill, children and adults with care experience will have a right to independent advocacy. We are making changes to the children’s hearings system to make it more child centred and rights respecting. By bringing key services within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are putting children’s rights at the heart of the care system.

We promised that, where children are safe, loved and supported in their families, they should stay with them. Through the bill, we are making family group decision making more consistently available and introducing a right to request it. We are strengthening support for kinship carers, and a national register of foster carers will help to protect children and ensure better matching with carers.

We promised that, where living with family is not possible, children should stay with their brothers and sisters where it is safe to do so and belong to a loving home for as long as they need to. The bill commits to annually uprating kinship care and foster care allowances, extends continuing care to the age of 26 and limits the ability to make profit from the provision of children’s care services.

We promised that children would be supported to build and sustain relationships with the workforce and their wider communities. We are creating a new system of aftercare, offering advice, guidance and support during the critical years, and we are strengthening corporate parenting duties.

We also promised that the system would be responsive and that the scaffolding of support would be there when needed. Through the bill, we are promoting greater understanding of care experience. We are strengthening children’s services planning and accountability. Changes to the children’s hearings system will improve timescales, consistency and continuity—something that we heard very strongly from those who had experience of the hearings system.

On that, I want to recognise the amazing work of the young people who were involved in Our Hearings, Our Voice. Their voices and work have been instrumental in transforming the hearing system, and they should be proud of the contribution that they have made to the bill.

Many of those measures have been shaped by members from across the chamber, and I thank them for their thoughtful and constructive engagement, which continued right up to our stage 3 deliberations yesterday. Our willingness to work together sends a clear message to children and young people in care, and to those who have been in care, that this Parliament is determined to keep the Promise by 2030.

I recognise that concerns about deliverability have been raised, and I understand those, but the bill was always intended to be ambitious, because delivering the Promise demands ambition from all of us. The Government is committed to working with partners to ensure that delivery is not only possible but meaningful.

I am not seeking re-election, so there will be a new minister to take the work forward. I want to take a moment to say how much it has meant to me. I have put my heart and soul into the bill and have prioritised it above everything else. I have worked harder on this than on anything I have ever done. I do not say that for recognition; I say it because of how deeply I care.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been meeting young people with care experience and I am truly grateful to every one of you who gave me your time. Those conversations kept me focused and determined. You were never afraid to challenge me—ministers might think that committee scrutiny is tough, but it is nothing compared with walking into a room full of young people who have strong views on the Promise. You asked the hard questions and that mattered. Listening to your experiences of loneliness, anxiety, distrust and struggle stayed with me.

At times, I shared parts of my own story because I wanted people to know that I understood their story, too. I remember telling one group that I still feel uneasy when there is an unexpected knock at my door, because, when I was growing up, that rarely meant good news for me. I grew up in a world where distrust in services was normal, yet here I am, in politics, meeting senior officials, police leaders and educators. That journey has not been easy. Overcoming that distrust and the impostor syndrome that comes with it has taken time and those feelings do not disappear—people just learn how to manage them.

This is not about me. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the work and I thank the First Minister for giving me that opportunity and for his commitment to ensuring that the Promise remains a Government priority.

My background did not set me on a path to become a politician, let alone a Government minister, but I hope that, by stepping into this role, I have shown any child or young person who feels that their future is hopeless, as I once did, that it is not. You have so much to give and I am living proof of that. Do not give up.

I do not have time to say everything that I would like to, so I will close by once again thanking everyone: the children and young people, the organisations, my officials, members from across the chamber and everyone who has contributed to the bill. It has honestly been the honour of my life.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

17:53

Presiding Officer,

“We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.”

No law can achieve such an ambition on its own, but it can create the conditions, the support and the services that make it possible. That is what the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill does.

I thank every child, young person and adult with care experience who has contributed their views, experiences and ideas to shape the bill. I know that some of them planned to be in the gallery for the debate and many more are watching online.

When Fiona Duncan agreed to lead Scotland’s independent care review in 2016, she set in motion the action that was needed to challenge, encourage and transform the system—and that continues to this day. Equally, I recognise the leadership of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, whose commitment to the Promise helped to ensure that the findings of the care review were not only heard but acted on. Her determination to place care-experienced children and young people at the centre of national policy has been instrumental in driving that work forward and setting the direction that we continue to build on today.

I also thank the committed individuals and organisations across Scotland who are working tirelessly every day to implement the Promise and improve lives. It has been a privilege to visit many of them, to see their work at first hand and to witness their passion and determination.

The bill gives effect to the five foundations of the care review. We promised that children would be listened to and meaningfully and appropriately involved in all decisions about their care. Through the bill, children and adults with care experience will have a right to independent advocacy. We are making changes to the children’s hearings system to make it more child centred and rights respecting. By bringing key services within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are putting children’s rights at the heart of the care system.

We promised that, where children are safe, loved and supported in their families, they should stay with them. Through the bill, we are making family group decision making more consistently available and introducing a right to request it. We are strengthening support for kinship carers, and a national register of foster carers will help to protect children and ensure better matching with carers.

We promised that, where living with family is not possible, children should stay with their brothers and sisters where it is safe to do so and belong to a loving home for as long as they need to. The bill commits to annually uprating kinship care and foster care allowances, extends continuing care to the age of 26 and limits the ability to make profit from the provision of children’s care services.

We promised that children would be supported to build and sustain relationships with the workforce and their wider communities. We are creating a new system of aftercare, offering advice, guidance and support during the critical years, and we are strengthening corporate parenting duties.

We also promised that the system would be responsive and that the scaffolding of support would be there when needed. Through the bill, we are promoting greater understanding of care experience. We are strengthening children’s services planning and accountability. Changes to the children’s hearings system will improve timescales, consistency and continuity—something that we heard very strongly from those who had experience of the hearings system.

On that, I want to recognise the amazing work of the young people who were involved in Our Hearings, Our Voice. Their voices and work have been instrumental in transforming the hearing system, and they should be proud of the contribution that they have made to the bill.

Many of those measures have been shaped by members from across the chamber, and I thank them for their thoughtful and constructive engagement, which continued right up to our stage 3 deliberations yesterday. Our willingness to work together sends a clear message to children and young people in care, and to those who have been in care, that this Parliament is determined to keep the Promise by 2030.

I recognise that concerns about deliverability have been raised, and I understand those, but the bill was always intended to be ambitious, because delivering the Promise demands ambition from all of us. The Government is committed to working with partners to ensure that delivery is not only possible but meaningful.

I am not seeking re-election, so there will be a new minister to take the work forward. I want to take a moment to say how much it has meant to me. I have put my heart and soul into the bill and have prioritised it above everything else. I have worked harder on this than on anything I have ever done. I do not say that for recognition; I say it because of how deeply I care.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been meeting young people with care experience and I am truly grateful to every one of you who gave me your time. Those conversations kept me focused and determined. You were never afraid to challenge me—ministers might think that committee scrutiny is tough, but it is nothing compared with walking into a room full of young people who have strong views on the Promise. You asked the hard questions and that mattered. Listening to your experiences of loneliness, anxiety, distrust and struggle stayed with me.

At times, I shared parts of my own story because I wanted people to know that I understood their story, too. I remember telling one group that I still feel uneasy when there is an unexpected knock at my door, because, when I was growing up, that rarely meant good news for me. I grew up in a world where distrust in services was normal, yet here I am, in politics, meeting senior officials, police leaders and educators. That journey has not been easy. Overcoming that distrust and the impostor syndrome that comes with it has taken time and those feelings do not disappear—people just learn how to manage them.

This is not about me. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the work and I thank the First Minister for giving me that opportunity and for his commitment to ensuring that the Promise remains a Government priority.

My background did not set me on a path to become a politician, let alone a Government minister, but I hope that, by stepping into this role, I have shown any child or young person who feels that their future is hopeless, as I once did, that it is not. You have so much to give and I am living proof of that. Do not give up.

I do not have time to say everything that I would like to, so I will close by once again thanking everyone: the children and young people, the organisations, my officials, members from across the chamber and everyone who has contributed to the bill. It has honestly been the honour of my life.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

17:53

Presiding Officer,

“We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.”

No law can achieve such an ambition on its own, but it can create the conditions, the support and the services that make it possible. That is what the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill does.

I thank every child, young person and adult with care experience who has contributed their views, experiences and ideas to shape the bill. I know that some of them planned to be in the gallery for the debate and many more are watching online.

When Fiona Duncan agreed to lead Scotland’s independent care review in 2016, she set in motion the action that was needed to challenge, encourage and transform the system—and that continues to this day. Equally, I recognise the leadership of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, whose commitment to the Promise helped to ensure that the findings of the care review were not only heard but acted on. Her determination to place care-experienced children and young people at the centre of national policy has been instrumental in driving that work forward and setting the direction that we continue to build on today.

I also thank the committed individuals and organisations across Scotland who are working tirelessly every day to implement the Promise and improve lives. It has been a privilege to visit many of them, to see their work at first hand and to witness their passion and determination.

The bill gives effect to the five foundations of the care review. We promised that children would be listened to and meaningfully and appropriately involved in all decisions about their care. Through the bill, children and adults with care experience will have a right to independent advocacy. We are making changes to the children’s hearings system to make it more child centred and rights respecting. By bringing key services within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are putting children’s rights at the heart of the care system.

We promised that, where children are safe, loved and supported in their families, they should stay with them. Through the bill, we are making family group decision making more consistently available and introducing a right to request it. We are strengthening support for kinship carers, and a national register of foster carers will help to protect children and ensure better matching with carers.

We promised that, where living with family is not possible, children should stay with their brothers and sisters where it is safe to do so and belong to a loving home for as long as they need to. The bill commits to annually upgrading kinship care and foster care allowances, extends continuing care to the age of 26 and limits the ability to make profit from the provision of children’s care services.

We promised that children would be supported to build and sustain relationships with the workforce and their wider communities. We are creating a new system of aftercare, offering advice, guidance and support during the critical years, and we are strengthening corporate parenting duties.

We also promised that the system would be responsive and that the scaffolding of support would be there when needed. Through the bill, we are promoting greater understanding of care experience. We are strengthening children’s services planning and accountability. Changes to the children’s hearings system will improve timescales, consistency and continuity—something that we heard very strongly from those who had experience of the hearings system.

On that, I want to recognise the amazing work of the young people who were involved in Our Hearings, Our Voice. Their voices and work have been instrumental in transforming the hearing system, and they should be proud of the contribution that they have made to the bill.

Many of those measures have been shaped by members from across the chamber, and I thank them for their thoughtful and constructive engagement, which continued right up to our stage 3 deliberations yesterday. Our willingness to work together sends a clear message to children and young people in care, and to those who have been in care, that this Parliament is determined to keep the Promise by 2030.

I recognise that concerns about deliverability have been raised, and I understand those, but the bill was always intended to be ambitious, because delivering the Promise demands ambition from all of us. The Government is committed to working with partners to ensure that delivery is not only possible but meaningful.

I am not seeking re-election, so there will be a new minister to take the work forward. I want to take a moment to say how much it has meant to me. I have put my heart and soul into the bill and have prioritised it above everything else. I have worked harder on this than on anything I have ever done. I do not say that for recognition; I say it because of how deeply I care.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been meeting young people with care experience and I am truly grateful to every one of you who gave me your time. Those conversations kept me focused and determined. You were never afraid to challenge me—ministers might think that committee scrutiny is tough, but it is nothing compared with walking into a room full of young people who have strong views on the Promise. You asked the hard questions and that mattered. Listening to your experiences of loneliness, anxiety, distrust and struggle stayed with me.

At times, I shared parts of my own story because I wanted people to know that I understood their story, too. I remember telling one group that I still feel uneasy when there is an unexpected knock at my door, because, when I was growing up, that rarely meant good news for me. I grew up in a world where distrust in services was normal, yet here I am, in politics, meeting senior officials, police leaders and educators. That journey has not been easy. Overcoming that distrust and the impostor syndrome that comes with it has taken time and those feelings do not disappear—people just learn how to manage them.

This is not about me. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the work and I thank the First Minister for giving me that opportunity and for his commitment to ensuring that the Promise remains a Government priority.

My background did not set me on a path to become a politician, let alone a Government minister, but I hope that, by stepping into this role, I have shown any child or young person who feels that their future is hopeless, as I once did, that it is not. You have so much to give and I am living proof of that. Do not give up.

I do not have time to say everything that I would like to, so I will close by once again thanking everyone: the children and young people, the organisations, my officials, members from across the chamber and everyone who has contributed to the bill. It has honestly been the honour of my life.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

17:53

Presiding Officer,

“We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.”

No law can achieve such an ambition on its own, but it can create the conditions, the support and the services that make it possible. That is what the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill does.

I thank every child, young person and adult with care experience who has contributed their views, experiences and ideas to shape the bill. I know that some of them planned to be in the gallery for the debate and many more are watching online.

When Fiona Duncan agreed to lead Scotland’s independent care review in 2016, she set in motion the action that was needed to challenge, encourage and transform the system—and that continues to this day. Equally, I recognise the leadership of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, whose commitment to the Promise helped to ensure that the findings of the care review were not only heard but acted on. Her determination to place care-experienced children and young people at the centre of national policy has been instrumental in driving that work forward and setting the direction that we continue to build on today.

I also thank the committed individuals and organisations across Scotland who are working tirelessly every day to implement the Promise and improve lives. It has been a privilege to visit many of them, to see their work at first hand and to witness their passion and determination.

The bill gives effect to the five foundations of the care review. We promised that children would be listened to and meaningfully and appropriately involved in all decisions about their care. Through the bill, children and adults with care experience will have a right to independent advocacy. We are making changes to the children’s hearings system to make it more child centred and rights respecting. By bringing key services within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are putting children’s rights at the heart of the care system.

We promised that, where children are safe, loved and supported in their families, they should stay with them. Through the bill, we are making family group decision making more consistently available and introducing a right to request it. We are strengthening support for kinship carers, and a national register of foster carers will help to protect children and ensure better matching with carers.

We promised that, where living with family is not possible, children should stay with their brothers and sisters where it is safe to do so and belong to a loving home for as long as they need to. The bill commits to annually upgrading kinship care and foster care allowances, extends continuing care to the age of 26 and limits the ability to make profit from the provision of children’s care services.

We promised that children would be supported to build and sustain relationships with the workforce and their wider communities. We are creating a new system of aftercare, offering advice, guidance and support during the critical years, and we are strengthening corporate parenting duties.

We also promised that the system would be responsive and that the scaffolding of support would be there when needed. Through the bill, we are promoting greater understanding of care experience. We are strengthening children’s services planning and accountability. Changes to the children’s hearings system will improve timescales, consistency and continuity—something that we heard very strongly from those who had experience of the hearings system.

On that, I want to recognise the amazing work of the young people who were involved in Our Hearings, Our Voice. Their voices and work have been instrumental in transforming the hearing system, and they should be proud of the contribution that they have made to the bill.

Many of those measures have been shaped by members from across the chamber, and I thank them for their thoughtful and constructive engagement, which continued right up to our stage 3 deliberations yesterday. Our willingness to work together sends a clear message to children and young people in care, and to those who have been in care, that this Parliament is determined to keep the Promise by 2030.

I recognise that concerns about deliverability have been raised, and I understand those, but the bill was always intended to be ambitious, because delivering the Promise demands ambition from all of us. The Government is committed to working with partners to ensure that delivery is not only possible but meaningful.

I am not seeking re-election, so there will be a new minister to take the work forward. I want to take a moment to say how much it has meant to me. I have put my heart and soul into the bill and have prioritised it above everything else. I have worked harder on this than on anything I have ever done. I do not say that for recognition; I say it because of how deeply I care.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been meeting young people with care experience and I am truly grateful to every one of you who gave me your time. Those conversations kept me focused and determined. You were never afraid to challenge me—ministers might think that committee scrutiny is tough, but it is nothing compared with walking into a room full of young people who have strong views on the Promise. You asked the hard questions and that mattered. Listening to your experiences of loneliness, anxiety, distrust and struggle stayed with me.

At times, I shared parts of my own story because I wanted people to know that I understood their story, too. I remember telling one group that I still feel uneasy when there is an unexpected knock at my door, because, when I was growing up, that rarely meant good news for me. I grew up in a world where distrust in services was normal, yet here I am, in politics, meeting senior officials, police leaders and educators. That journey has not been easy. Overcoming that distrust and the impostor syndrome that comes with it has taken time and those feelings do not disappear—people just learn how to manage them.

This is not about me. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the work and I thank the First Minister for giving me that opportunity and for his commitment to ensuring that the Promise remains a Government priority.

My background did not set me on a path to become a politician, let alone a Government minister, but I hope that, by stepping into this role, I have shown any child or young person who feels that their future is hopeless, as I once did, that it is not. You have so much to give and I am living proof of that. Do not give up.

I do not have time to say everything that I would like to, so I will close by once again thanking everyone: the children and young people, the organisations, my officials, members from across the chamber and everyone who has contributed to the bill. It has honestly been the honour of my life.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

17:53

Presiding Officer,

“We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential.”

No law can achieve such an ambition on its own, but it can create the conditions, the support and the services that make it possible. That is what the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill does.

I thank every child, young person and adult with care experience who has contributed their views, experiences and ideas to shape the bill. I know that some of them planned to be in the gallery for the debate and many more are watching online.

When Fiona Duncan agreed to lead Scotland’s independent care review in 2016, she set in motion the action that was needed to challenge, encourage and transform the system—and that continues to this day. Equally, I recognise the leadership of our former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, whose commitment to the Promise helped to ensure that the findings of the care review were not only heard but acted on. Her determination to place care-experienced children and young people at the centre of national policy has been instrumental in driving that work forward and setting the direction that we continue to build on today.

I also thank the committed individuals and organisations across Scotland who are working tirelessly every day to implement the Promise and improve lives. It has been a privilege to visit many of them, to see their work at first hand and to witness their passion and determination.

The bill gives effect to the five foundations of the care review. We promised that children would be listened to and meaningfully and appropriately involved in all decisions about their care. Through the bill, children and adults with care experience will have a right to independent advocacy. We are making changes to the children’s hearings system to make it more child centred and rights respecting. By bringing key services within the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, we are putting children’s rights at the heart of the care system.

We promised that, where children are safe, loved and supported in their families, they should stay with them. Through the bill, we are making family group decision making more consistently available and introducing a right to request it. We are strengthening support for kinship carers, and a national register of foster carers will help to protect children and ensure better matching with carers.

We promised that, where living with family is not possible, children should stay with their brothers and sisters where it is safe to do so and belong to a loving home for as long as they need to. The bill commits to annually upgrading kinship care and foster care allowances, extends continuing care to the age of 26 and limits the ability to make profit from the provision of children’s care services.

We promised that children would be supported to build and sustain relationships with the workforce and their wider communities. We are creating a new system of aftercare, offering advice, guidance and support during the critical years, and we are strengthening corporate parenting duties.

We also promised that the system would be responsive and that the scaffolding of support would be there when needed. Through the bill, we are promoting greater understanding of care experience. We are strengthening children’s services planning and accountability. Changes to the children’s hearings system will improve timescales, consistency and continuity—something that we heard very strongly from those who had experience of the hearings system.

On that, I want to recognise the amazing work of the young people who were involved in Our Hearings, Our Voice. Their voices and work have been instrumental in transforming the hearing system, and they should be proud of the contribution that they have made to the bill.

Many of those measures have been shaped by members from across the chamber, and I thank them for their thoughtful and constructive engagement, which continued right up to our stage 3 deliberations yesterday. Our willingness to work together sends a clear message to children and young people in care, and to those who have been in care, that this Parliament is determined to keep the Promise by 2030.

I recognise that concerns about deliverability have been raised, and I understand those, but the bill was always intended to be ambitious, because delivering the Promise demands ambition from all of us. The Government is committed to working with partners to ensure that delivery is not only possible but meaningful.

I am not seeking re-election, so there will be a new minister to take the work forward. I want to take a moment to say how much it has meant to me. I have put my heart and soul into the bill and have prioritised it above everything else. I have worked harder on this than on anything I have ever done. I do not say that for recognition; I say it because of how deeply I care.

One of the most meaningful parts of my role has been meeting young people with care experience and I am truly grateful to every one of you who gave me your time. Those conversations kept me focused and determined. You were never afraid to challenge me—ministers might think that committee scrutiny is tough, but it is nothing compared with walking into a room full of young people who have strong views on the Promise. You asked the hard questions and that mattered. Listening to your experiences of loneliness, anxiety, distrust and struggle stayed with me.

At times, I shared parts of my own story because I wanted people to know that I understood their story, too. I remember telling one group that I still feel uneasy when there is an unexpected knock at my door, because, when I was growing up, that rarely meant good news for me. I grew up in a world where distrust in services was normal, yet here I am, in politics, meeting senior officials, police leaders and educators. That journey has not been easy. Overcoming that distrust and the impostor syndrome that comes with it has taken time and those feelings do not disappear—people just learn how to manage them.

This is not about me. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead the work and I thank the First Minister for giving me that opportunity and for his commitment to ensuring that the Promise remains a Government priority.

My background did not set me on a path to become a politician, let alone a Government minister, but I hope that, by stepping into this role, I have shown any child or young person who feels that their future is hopeless, as I once did, that it is not. You have so much to give and I am living proof of that. Do not give up.

I do not have time to say everything that I would like to, so I will close by once again thanking everyone: the children and young people, the organisations, my officials, members from across the chamber and everyone who has contributed to the bill. It has honestly been the honour of my life.

I move,

That the Parliament agrees that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

17:53

Amendment 35 will improve the effectiveness of the financial transparency measures in section 8. It will ensure that the Scottish Government is able to obtain a fuller picture of residential service providers’ finances, including from parent—