Shetland Islands Council is today (Fri) marking Care Day, a special day dedicated to care experienced children and young people and their remarkable achievements.
This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it marks five years since the publication of ‘The Promise’ to care experienced children and young people in Scotland. After the publication of the Independent Care Review report in February 2020, The Promise was established to ensure that all care experienced children and young people in Scotland grow up loved, safe, and respected.
In the last five years, significant progress has been made towards keeping The Promise by 2030, though there is a recognition that there is still work to be done to fully realise its vision. Care Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made locally, and to celebrate the resilience, strength and achievements of care experienced young people.
The #ShetlandCrew, the Meids Group and the Shetland Children's Partnership have helped to drive local progress, focusing on early intervention, prevention, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Councillor Davie Sandison, Chair of the Council’s Education and Families Committee, said: "We are incredibly proud of the progress made in Shetland over the past five years to support our care experienced children and young people. We acknowledge however, that there is still much to be done. As we celebrate Care Day this year, the Council remains fully committed to The Promise and to creating a brighter future for care experienced children and young people in Shetland. We will continue to work together with local partners to ensure that every child in Shetland grows up loved, safe, and respected.”
Lerwick Town Hall will be lit pink for Care Day this evening.