October 2024
Introduction:
Social Work Scotland (SWS) 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. The introduction of statutory aftercare and subsequent extension of this in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, and related introduction of continuing care were welcomed across the sector. Achieving and expanding the principles of good transitions support over this critical phase in the care journey has been given further focus with the publication of the Promise in 2020, and work since then. Our members are acutely aware of the criticality and complexity of transitions and welcome this opportunity to continue to actively contribute to discussions about how best to achieve the right support for those with experience of care as they move into adulthood.
The principles on which the social work profession is built are those of human rights, and as such as a profession we align to the principles of continuing care and aftercare covered in this consultation. We particularly welcome the linkage with the Principles of Good Transitions, principles designed by young people and those who support them, and applicable for all transitions stages. As an organisation Social Work Scotland also operate in a space where we seek to ensure that legislation and good practice can be put into practice and achieve its intended goal and improvement. Implementation of continuing care and aftercare has been fraught with complexities; many unseen at the point where the legislation was initially enacted. This has been exacerbated over recent years by challenges in demand, resources, finance and workforce; matters which form the necessary foundation on which the improvements sought by young people, practitioners, leaders and government can be achieved – and something acknowledged in the Promise foundations. Social Work Scotland are fully committed to the vision of improving our care system and the support provided to enable young people to move into adulthood with the tools to become successful adults and members of society. However, seeking to extend that provision without the existing foundations being secure is likely to lead to ongoing confusion and inequality which will not meet our shared objectives and will bring further distress to the young people we seek to serve. Underlined and reflected in this response is the importance of attention to those foundations necessary for successful implementation and achieving the improved outcomes for our care leavers we all desire.
As an organisation we work closely with our partners to shape policy and practice and improve the quality and experience of social services with commitment to achieving better outcomes in continuing care and aftercare of our looked after children in Scotland. This response is gathered from ongoing discussions with partners, alongside the views and reflections of our membership which spans local authority and third sector organisations across the range of social work provision. We have particularly sought the views of those working directly with young people in or opting into continuing care and aftercare, as well as managers and those with strategic responsibilities.
