Over the past five years, you have served Scotland during a period of profound challenge and change. From a global pandemic and cost of living crisis to political and economic uncertainty, this parliamentary session has demanded resilience, leadership and a sustained focus on those most in need.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and families across Scotland.
Throughout this session, we have seen important progress in legislation and policy that has the potential to make a meaningful difference. Measures such as the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, continued action to tackle child poverty, developments in The Promise, and wider efforts to support family wellbeing and early intervention all represent steps toward a fairer Scotland.
Notably passed in this session was the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024. The Act marked a further move towards a rights-respecting and compassionate care system for young people, ending placements for under 18s in young offender institutions. Our staff tell us that while there are some challenges that need to be tackled as we progress through implementation, particularly around support for staff in secure accommodation providers, there are opportunities to make a real positive impact on young people. Critically, secure care provides a more nurturing, trauma-informed environment with wider opportunities for wellbeing and education support.
We recognise that these achievements are the result of sustained effort, collaboration and, at times, difficult decisions. They reflect a shared ambition across Parliament to ensure that every child and young person can thrive.
However, we also know that significant challenges remain.
Too many families continue to face the devastating impact of poverty, inequality and barriers to opportunity.
The work of this session has laid important foundations — but there is more still to do.
To those of you who are standing down, we thank you for your support and the contribution you have made. We wish you all the very best for the future.
To those seeking re-election, we wish you the very best of luck. We hope you will continue to champion the needs and voices of children, young people and families in the years ahead.
As ever, we remain committed to working constructively with Members of the Scottish Parliament — offering support, sharing insight from the families we work alongside, and advocating for the change needed to improve their lives.
Our door will always be open.
Together, we can continue to build a Scotland where every child, every family, has every chance.
Your friend,
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