Social Work Scotland response to Scottish Government Developing a Universal Definition of ‘Care Experience’: Consultation
22 January 2025
INTRODUCTION
Social Work Scotland is the professional body for social work leaders, working closely with our partners to shape policy and practice, and improve the quality and experience of social services and as a result those who receive those services. As an organisation and across our members we are committed to service improvement and ongoing development based on evidence and research on how we can best meet the needs of those we work with and particularly those who experience the greatest challenges and barriers to their wellbeing and lives.
Social Work Scotland represent social work leaders across Scotland. The profession is based on the principles of human rights, reflecting the value of all individuals and upholding their rights . This is expressed in the SSSC Codes of Practice and in the BASW code of ethics. These underline the inherent worth and dignity of all people, demonstrated in practice through relationships, and promotion of self-determination, participation and wellbeing.
This means that social justice and advocating for the wellbeing and rights of those who are most disadvantaged, including children, is part of the context within which we operate, balancing often-complex issues of competing rights.
Social work also spans the children, adult and justice arenas. We therefore appreciate the opportunity to comment on proposals for a legal definition of care experience as something which, while linked to the Promise, impacts on all ages and areas of social work practice.
Our response is based on consultation and discussion with our membership which covers senior leaders in social work, including Chief Social Work Officers, service and team managers from across the country in both local authorities and third sector involved in delivery of services to children and adults.
