Programme for Government 2023

Commenting on the Scottish Government Programme for Government 2023, Mary Glasgow, CEO Children 1st said:

“The commitment to keep the Promise, that wherever it is safe to do so children will stay with their families and families will be actively supported to stay together in today’s Programme for Government is important. This work is at a pivotal point where words need to become actions.

Children do well, when their families do well. Whole family wellbeing support, delivered in partnership with the third sector, helps address wider inequalities like poverty, attainment, and mental and physical health. Real investment is required in early help for families, with a re-commitment to £500 million through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, to realise the Promise and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"Bairns Hoose must be scaled up consistently across Scotland, so that children and young people who experience abuse and violence can get all the protection, care justice and recovery support they need under one roof.

"And, to ensure children and young people get the support they need to stay safely with their families, Family Group Decision Making must be available for every family that needs it across Scotland.

“Supporting children to live safe, loved and well with their families is at the heart of our work at Children 1st. We urge the Scottish Government, local authorities and partners to build on today’s Programme for Government commitments and look forward to continuing to work with them to realise the radical action and system change required to keep the Promise.”