100 Days of Listening: The Story So Far

 
Rachel Keenan, Promise Delivery Partner, The Promise Scotland  
 
For me the 100 Days of Listening was never about recreating the Care Review, the promise tells us the distinct challenges faced by young people moving on from care into adulthood. The 100 Days of Listening is about hearing from Moving On Experts about what their expectations are for moving on and identifying the challenges and barriers in the way of young people successfully progressing into adulthood. 

We are nearly 4 years on from the conclusion of the Care Review and publication of the promise, in the 100 Days of Listening we still hear that support to young people moving on is inconsistent across Scotland, that it depends on the individual workers supporting them and young people are missing out on their entitlements.  Hearing from our workforce has been a key aspect of the 100 Days of Listening and it came as no surprise that they spoke of their capacity to provide the care that they really want to provide. Our workforce is passionate about ensuring that our children and young people grow up safe, loved and respected but they are working under conditions that mean giving children and young people all they need is simply too hard. However, we have also heard of some excellent practice in supporting young people. This has come in the form of both exciting projects and individual workers that young people cherish.

So, as we move on to the second half of 100 Days of Listening we want to hear from as many Moving On Experts as we can, we really want to hear about the challenges and barriers in place but we also want to hear the exciting work in Scotland because we know there is so much more.   

Fiona Robertson, Promise Delivery Partner, The Promise Scotland  
 
Its been a bit of a rollercoaster ride! I have heard about some amazing, practice that is truly meeting the needs of the young people involved. That work is ensuring the best possible outcomes for young people, and is prepared to meet them where they are and doesn’t expect them to get everything right first time. Equally though I have heard that this isn’t the experience of all young people across Scotland. Some services are struggling to provide the level of care that they really want to due to resource and staffing issues. Staff are stretched and concerned at not always being able to provide what they feel is needed. Systemic differences between areas have also caused issues for young people, particularly for those returning after an out of area placement.  

Thomas Carlton, Moving On Strategic Lead, Staf

The 100 Days of listening has been inspiring so far, hearing great experiences of young people being supported to achieve their own success. It has been inspiring to hear how these successes have been possible and hearing ideas on how these experiences could be even better. The possible solutions identified will be key in the development of the change programmes, tests of change phase. All helping working towards the programmes conclusion of a shared set of standards and principles that will enable the promise to be kept for those moving on from care. 

At other times, the 100 days of listening has been inspiring in hearing how real, and at times profound, challenge has been overcome by some of the moving on experts we have spoken to. These conversations will help Scotland have clearer understanding of how we get from where we are today, and where we need to be, for the children and families the promise was made to on the 5th of February 2020.

To find out more about the Moving On Change Programme and how to take part visit Moving On