Amanda Hatton, Executive Director for Education and Children’s Services at Edinburgh City Council
Thankfully, for the vast majority of Edinburgh’s children, that’s at home with their families.
For some, however, their families are not able to look after them safely, and we become their corporate parents.
Most of these children live with the many wonderful foster families we recruit but, in some cases, their needs mean a family home is not the right place for them and they live in residential children’s homes.
And, even more rarely (a handful at any given time), some young people need to be looked after by us in secure accommodation.
Sadly, as has become clear in recent council reports and subsequent news coverage, we have badly let down some of the children in the last group.
As someone who has spent their entire career passionately supporting children and young people with additional challenges to thrive, this is heart-breaking to hear. Just as I know it is to the many the dedicated and hard-working people in Children’s Services across Edinburgh.
I do think it’s worth saying that, for all these reports are deeply disturbing, it also shows that the system is working. The recent disclosures, findings and recommendations all came about thanks to the Council’s Independent Whistleblowing Service, which had independent oversight from Susanne Tanner QC, Police Scotland and Safecall. It’s so important that young people have faith that they will be listened to and treated with...
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