Scotland’s care reform ‘The Promise’ risks missing 2030 targets, watchdog warns

The Oversight Board for “The Promise” warned that Scotland’s pledge to overhaul the care system for children in care is still largely unimplemented and may not be fulfilled by the 2030 deadline. The board highlighted mismatches between demand and resources, including a lack of appropriate care places, and noted that some commitments have either not been delivered or were acted on too late. Although it acknowledged progress since the 2025 oversight review, the report said the gap to achieve the promised transformation is rapidly narrowing.

Liberal Democrat MSP Duncan Dunlop described the findings as “damning,” and Labour MSP Katherine Sangster said the government must act urgently. Minister for The Promise Siobhian Brown defended the agenda, pointing to recent legislation and investments, and pledged to work on the board’s ten recommendations.