Chamber and committees

I am grateful to theindependent expert Mr Tom Shaw and his team for the completion of this thoroughand comprehensive review.

This importantreview helps us understand the statutory and regulatory landscape which was in placeduring this period to protect children and keep them safe in residential care. Itsheds light on the failings of those systems which were in place which should haveprotected children; it identifies the progress which has been made and, crucially,identifies where further effort is still required.

The Scottish Governmentis determined to ensure that those survivors of historic in care and institutionalabuse can receive the appropriate services they require to help them to recoverfrom the effects of the physical and psychological damage caused by the abuse theyhave experienced. As part of the government’s wider Survivor Scotland strategy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, weare developing specific proposals for survivors of historic in-care and institutionalabuse.

We must also ensurethat children who are presently in residential care are safeguarded. We are already working with our partners toimprove outcomes for all looked after young people and those leaving care. In thelight of this review, I will be looking at how we can learn the lessons of the pastand build on progress to raise the standard of residential care for children. Wewill work with partners to bring forward specific proposals, from developing theworkforce to ensuring high-quality services, which address the issues raised.