The Promise called for a new approach to youth justice, as summarised below:
a new approach to youth justice is needed that holds true to the Kilbrandon principles
the rights of children and young people in conflict with the law must be upheld, ensuring they have access to all they need for health, education and participation
children must be able to participate in all decisions about them in appropriate environments - not traditional criminal courts
under 18s are children: there should be no 16- or 17-year-olds in YOIs; being placed in prison-like settings is deeply inappropriate for children
yhe importance of relationships cannot be overstated - every effort must be made to nurture and sustain positive and important relationships for care experienced children
there must be a significant, ongoing and persistent commitment to ending poverty and mitigating its impacts for Scotland's children, families and communities
there must be more universal and intensive support for families who are struggling, whatever issues they face
Scotland must improve support for children affected by parental imprisonment, ensuring wraparound support for families
more must be done to avoid imprisoning pregnant mothers, and better support provided to those who are in prison.