The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill was passed on 19th March 2026.  

The bill is designed to strengthen support for children and young people in the care system and improve how children’s services are planned across Scotland and has been passed unanimously.  

It introduces new rights for people with care experience, including allowing those who left care before age 16 to apply for aftercare, and guaranteeing access to advocacy services. It also requires Scottish Ministers to publish guidance on what “care” and “care experience” mean and gives them powers to limit profits in residential care, require fostering services to register as charities, and create a national register of foster carers.  

It also reforms responsibilities for children’s services planning, making Integration Joint Boards jointly responsible alongside local authorities and health boards. The bill forms part of the Government’s commitment to deliver The Promise by 2030, following the Independent Care Review. 

Together welcomes the passing of this bill, strengthening rights protections for care experienced children, young people and adults. Together members advocated for the passing of this bill and suggested crucial amendments, with cross-party support for their calls and can only be congratulated on the successful passage of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning (Scotland) Bill.  

Find out more about the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill 

Read the final version of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill