This Bill makes changes in the law in relation to the children’s care system. It also changes who is responsible for the planning of children’s services.
This is a Government bill
The Bill was introduced on 17 June 2025 and is at Stage 1
This Bill is at Stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act.
The Bill as introduced changes the services and support provided to people in the children's care system, or who have ever had experience of that system. Those changes include:
The Bill also sets out that integration joint boards are responsible for children’s services planning, alongside local authorities and health boards.
The Bill has been introduced by the Scottish Government. It is part of the Government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Independent Care Review (also referred to as “the Promise”) by 2030.
Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill as introduced (3MB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
Explanatory Notes (279KB, pdf) posted 19 June 2025
Policy Memorandum (487KB, pdf) posted 19 June 2025
Financial Memorandum (499KB, pdf) posted 19 June 2025
Delegated Powers Memorandum (155KB, pdf) posted 19 June 2025
Statements on legislative competence (102KB, pdf) posted 19 June 2025
Explanatory Notes (409KB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
Policy Memorandum (513KB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
Financial Memorandum (552KB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
Delegated Powers Memorandum (223KB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
Statements on legislative competence (153KB, pdf) posted 17 June 2025
All Bills introduced in the Parliament must be accompanied by specific documents. For most Bills, this includes:
Explanatory Notes: this document provides an overview of what the Bill does, plus a more detailed explanation of individual provisions.
Policy Memorandum: this sets out the objectives of the Bill. It also lists any alternatives considered, details of consultations, and an assessment of the effects of the Bill on a range of areas.
Financial Memorandum: this sets out estimates of costs, savings, and any changes to revenues expected to result from the Bill.
Delegated Powers Memorandum: this is needed if a Bill gives powers to make subordinate legislation or allows Scottish Ministers to issue directions, guidance or codes of practice.
Statements on legislative competence: two short statements, one by the Presiding Officer and one by the Member introducing the Bill. “Legislative competence” means the powers the Parliament has to make law.
The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre (SPICe) prepares impartial research and analysis to assist MSPs in their examination of Bills and other parliamentary business.
A research briefing will be published in due course.
The Bill was introduced on 17 June 2025
At Stage 1, the Bill is given to a lead committee. This is usually the committee whose remit most closely relates to the subject of the Bill. The lead committee will consider and report on the Bill. Other committees may also examine the Bill and report to the lead committee. Finally, there is a debate and vote by all MSPs on the general principles of the Bill. If the general principles are not agreed to, then the Bill ‘falls’ and can’t become law.
The lead committee for this Bill is the Education, Children and Young People Committee.
The lead committee will usually examine the Bill through evidence sessions. This will involve contributions from individuals and organisations, known as 'witnesses', with knowledge of the subject matter. The committee might also discuss the Bill in private sessions.
The Committee's call for views is open between 27 June and 15 August 2025.