First Minister's Programme for Government

Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said:

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty, but we are deeply concerned that the drastic cuts to public spending will throw many children and families already in crisis over the edge.

“The First Minister’s recognition of whole family support is positive but lacks clarity and specific plans to make this a reality, with resource to match need. We know that at present vital family support services are being lost.

“With less money available we need to do things differently. Children are stuck on waiting lists for services that are already overwhelmed. They need help at an earlier stage to avoid even more costly interventions down the line.

“As a society we are failing children and families. They cannot wait for change. They need investment and meaningful reforms and early support to keep them safe.”