Open letter to parties running in the 2026 Scottish Election

On 5 February 2020, Scotland made a promise.

That day, politicians from all parties in the Scottish Parliament promised to transform how Scotland cares, so all children and young people grow up loved, safe, and respected and are able to realise their full potential.

That promise came from the voices of more than 5,500 children, young people and families, and adults with experience of the ‘care system’ care and members of the paid and unpaid workforce who work alongside them— all of whom had shared their views on what needed to change.

Today, Scotland is approximately at the halfway point in a decade-long programme of change through to 2030, by which the promise must be kept.

The Government and Parliament elected in May 2026 will be responsible for governing beyond that point – for making sure the promise Scotland made is kept and continues to be, for generations to come.

As organisations and individuals working hard to keep the promise, we call on Scotland’s political parties to show their dedication to keeping the promise by committing in their election manifestos to making Scotland a place where all its children grow up loved, safe and respected and realise their full potential.

There is still a lot to do, requiring resolute political leadership to drive forward wholescale change at a rapid pace. With clear focus, brave decision-making, and sustained cross-party support in Parliament over the next five years, Scotland can keep the promise. With children, young people, families, and care experienced feeling the benefit everywhere, every day, while also ensuring their rights are respected.  

The promise is not only about politics, it’s about changing lives.

Signed