Recent reporting by STV News has highlighted growing concerns about delays in decisions for babies and young children in Scotland’s care system, with research showing that children can wait more than two years on average for decisions about a permanent home. The story includes powerful testimony from young people and families about the impact of uncertainty, repeated moves and long waits for decisions about their future. One young person described feeling “like a piece on the chessboard”, moved from place to place without understanding what was happening or why.
At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that stability, trusted relationships and being listened to are vital for children’s health and wellbeing.
Children Have the Right to Be Involved
While the article focuses on permanence and care planning, it also raises an important issue about children’s rights.
Children and young people have the right to receive information in a way they can understand and to have their views taken seriously when decisions are made about their lives. Yet the experiences shared in the STV report suggest that some children continue to feel excluded from decisions that have a profound impact on their future.
This reflects what children and young people told us through our On My Way Report, which explored children’s experiences of healthcare and their healthcare rights across Scotland.
What Children Told Us in On My Way
Through On My Way, children and young people repeatedly highlighted the importance of being informed and involved in decisions affecting them.
They told us they wanted:
- Information that was easy to understand.
- Professionals to speak directly to them, not just the adults around them.
- Honest explanations about what was happening and why.
- Opportunities to ask questions and share their views.
- Decisions to be made with them, rather than for them.
Many described feeling frustrated, anxious or powerless when information was not shared or when they felt their opinions were overlooked.
Whether a child is navigating healthcare, education, social care or other services, the message remains the same: children want to be heard, respected and included.
The Impact of Uncertainty
For children, prolonged uncertainty can have a significant impact on wellbeing.
Having secure relationships, trusted adults and a sense of stability helps children develop confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self. When important decisions are delayed or when children do not understand what is happening, it can create additional worry and stress during already difficult periods of their lives.
This is particularly important for children who may already be experiencing challenges related to their health, disability, family circumstances or care experience.
Listening to Children’s Voices
The STV report serves as an important reminder that children’s voices must be at the heart of decision-making.
Every child deserves to understand what is happening in their life, to be supported to express their views and to know that those views matter.
At Children’s Health Scotland, we will continue working alongside children and young people through initiatives such as our Health Rights Defenders and On My Way to ensure their experiences shape policy, practice and services across Scotland.
When children are listened to, informed and involved, decisions are better, outcomes are stronger and children’s rights are respected.
Find Out More
Read the On My Way report and hear directly from children and young people about their experiences and recommendations for improving services: https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/childrens-healthcare-rights/on-my-way/
