Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring no child or young person gets left behind in an exclusive article for the Daily Record. Sturgeon expressed her dedication to delivering “The Promise” she made five years ago to care-experienced young people in Scotland. She emphasised the importance of creating a country where every child feels loved, safe, and respected, highlighting the significant impact governments can have on people’s lives. Sturgeon shared that her decision to review Scotland’s care system in 2016 was deeply influenced by the moving stories she heard from care-experienced individuals.
“The Promise” represents a pledge to transform the care system, ensuring that every young person in care grows up feeling valued and has equal opportunities to succeed. Sturgeon acknowledged the crucial role various stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, MSPs, COSLA, schools, and healthcare providers, play in bringing about meaningful change. She commended the progress already made, such as introducing support initiatives for care-experienced individuals, but stressed the need for accelerated and widespread transformation.
Sturgeon urged a collective effort towards fulfilling The Promise, underscoring the necessity of supporting families to prevent children from entering the care system. She called for transparent tracking of progress by local authorities and stressed the importance of collaborative action to drive faster change. Sturgeon reflected on Scotland’s pioneering role in undertaking a comprehensive review of the care system and highlighted the global attention the country has garnered for its initiatives. As Scotland reaches the halfway mark of the 10-year implementation plan, she called for increased commitment to address areas needing further improvement.
In conclusion, Sturgeon emphasised that keeping The Promise requires continuous dedication from politicians, councils, and the government to provide the leadership that all children and young people in Scotland deserve. She pledged to continue her efforts to ensure that every child and young person in Scotland feels safe, loved, and supported to thrive. Through collaborative efforts, Scotland aims to set a groundbreaking example in care for the rest of the world.
Insights:
Nicola Sturgeon’s unwavering commitment to delivering on The Promise reflects the transformative potential of government initiatives in improving the lives of vulnerable populations. By prioritising the well-being of care-experienced young people, Sturgeon sets a precedent for holistic and compassionate governance that values every individual’s right to safety and support. The emphasis on collaboration and transparency underscores the importance of a unified approach towards systemic change, demonstrating Scotland’s dedication to pioneering a more inclusive and caring society.