The newly published Kinship Care Statistics from Scotland’s Census 2022 reveal a troubling truth: of the estimated 12,800 children living in kinship care across Scotland, two-thirds are in informal arrangements—meaning they are cared for by relatives or close family friends without formal recognition or support from the state.
News and Events
It Takes a Village to Play: SMS:FAMILIES and Community Wellbeing
This summer, we brought families together in Cranhill for five joyful weeks of connection, creativity, and community through our SMS:FAMILIES Programme—a partnership with Cranhill Development Trust, proudly supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery. Held on Monday afternoons, the programme welcomed families with children in Primary 1 to 4, with younger and older siblings always included. At its heart was […]
Health Rights Defenders: Syringe Art, Summer Fun, and the Right to Play
This summer, our incredible Health Rights Defenders—an inspiring group of young advocates who meet regularly to explore and discuss the most pressing health rights issues affecting children—gathered for a vibrant and meaningful session. Held during the school holidays, this meeting was more than just a creative break; it was a powerful opportunity for the group […]
Empowering Professionals: Why Health Rights Training Matters Now More Than Ever
Children’s rights in healthcare are no longer just best practice—they’re the law. With Scotland’s landmark incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law as of July 2024, professionals across health, education, social care, and justice are now legally required to uphold these rights in every decision and interaction. […]
🐻 Bear’s CASTLETASTIC Picnic for kinship care families at Stirling Castle! 🏰
What do you get when you mix dragon eggs, parachutes, knight poses, and a whole lot of love? Bear’s CASTLETASTIC Picnic at Stirling Castle – a magical day for kinship care families from across Scotland!
Inspire, Support, Empower: Book Your Free Foster and Kinship Care Workshops for 2026
Are you part of an organisation, local authority, or community group supporting Foster or Kinship Carers? Then now’s the time to book your FREE workshops for 2026-27 with Children’s Health Scotland. Our workshops are designed to empower carers, boost their confidence and wellbeing, and help them provide the best possible care for the children and young people in their lives. These […]
Reviewing the work of The Promise Scotland 2023-2025
The Promise Scotland has published a comprehensive review of its work from August 2023 to March 2025, highlighting progress, challenges, and the collective efforts made to keep Scotland’s promise to its children and young people.
Looking beyond the data at Continuing Care and Aftercare
The Centre for excellence for Children’s Care and Protection (CELCIS) has published an article reflecting on recent Children’s Social Work Statistics for Scotland to examine whether Continuing Care and Aftercare is working for children and young people.
Future of foster care: consultation analysis – final report
The Scottish Government has published a report analysing the results of its consultation on the future of fostering care in Scotland. The analysis covers 100 consultation responses, from 55 individuals and 45 organisations, as well as notes from 21 consultation events and findings from Who Cares? Scotland conversations with children and young people.
Support for young people living with a health condition: Refer to our SMS Programme starting August 2025
Children’s Health Scotland is delighted to announce the return of our Self-Management Skills (SMS) Programmes this August 2025. These in-person programmes are ideal for children and young people aged 9–17 living with a health condition or concern—no formal diagnosis is required.
