CANDIDATES running to represent Argyll and Bute in the next Scottish election have been urged to commit to keeping a promise made to Scotland’s children.
The promise, that all of Scotland’s children grow up loved, safe, respected and realise their full potential, was made in 2020 after more than 5500 children and adults with experience of care and members of the workforce shared their views on what needed to change.
32 organisations called on parties running in the Scottish election to state their commitment through the duration of the next parliament.
When the promise was made, it received full cross-party support in Holyrood. As Scotland passes the halfway point to when the promise must be kept, by 2030, the organisation set up to support changes to happen, are calling on all everyone running in the next election to commit to keeping the promise through the duration of the next parliament.
The joint letter has been sent to political parties in Scotland, alongside the launch of The Promise Scotland’s election publication; ‘Ensuring Scotland’s children grow up loved, safe and respected: How the next Scottish Government and Parliament can make sure that Scotland keeps the promise.’
The publication is designed to help all MSPs running in the election, to know what needs to be prioritised for the promise to be kept.
This includes information on ensuring early help and support for families will be available when required; and the voices of children, families and care experienced adults will hold genuine power in the decisions that impact their lives. The changes would change the lives of families across Argyll and Bute.
It also highlights the need to address rates of poverty, transform public services and create more straightforward legislation and rules so children, families, care experienced adults and the workforce know and uphold their rights.
Fraser McKinlay, chief executive of The Promise Scotland, said: “There will be many people with care experience in Argyll and Bute, so keeping the promise is vital for the area.
“We want to see all candidates demonstrate this matters, by showing their support to keeping the promise made to children and families in the area.
“Those elected in the next election will be in a crucial position, to be the ones who keep the promise, so they must grasp this opportunity and create the environment for it to happen.”
Read the full publication at www.thepromise.scot
