. • £2 million allocated for contingency measures in 2025-26. • Updated practice guidance on alternatives to secure care published in March 2025. • A new four-bed national contingency resource, Annan House, opened at Rossie in April 2025. • A dedicated professional lead appointed within Social Work Scotland (started August 2025) to support placing authorities and improve decision-making. • A second four-bed contingency resource, Esk House, at Rossie - expected to open in the next few weeks. • Collaboration with Kibble to construct up to three new four-bed, trauma- informed, houses to meet evolving needs of children. • Joint action plan in development with COSLA to coordinate national and local efforts.