It's been five years since The Promise - but journey is behind schedule

A third report from the Oversight Board has accused ministers of taking too long to produce a delivery plan.

Five years ago you could feel a real sense of optimism in the room at the launch of The Promise.

There was a feeling this time things would change for the better for those with direct experience of care.

There has been tangible progress as we approach the midpoint towards the target date of 2030.

The ending of the imprisonment of children, as well as a national minimum recommended allowance for foster carers and kinship carers are just two of the positive changes.

But the journey is well behind schedule.

This is the third report from the Oversight Board.

STV News

A common theme throughout has been the slow progress so far, but this update is more stark in its criticisms of the organisations involved.

It recognises this is not the sole responsibility of the Scottish Government, but accuses ministers of taking too long to produce a delivery plan and respond to the concerns raised in previous reports.

It also says tensions with local authorities need to be addressed, and councils have to focus on areas where little has been done.

Some of the optimism remains that the commitments made five years ago can still be delivered.

The hope is this report will help focus minds and create the momentum needed to implement that change.

For thousands of young people it will come too late. 

But in the words of the report, there is not a moment left to waste – and no room for excuses.

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