Hundreds of people from a range of organisations gathered at the civic centre in Motherwell to share and learn ways in which the council and partner organisations fulfil their promise that care experienced children, young people and their families grow up loved, safe and respected to fulfil their full potential.

There are around 800 young people in North Lanarkshire who are currently experiencing care. In March 2021 North Lanarkshire Council established The Promise Team to improve and develop how services are accessed by care experienced young people. 

Beth-Anne Logan, Development Worker with The Promise Team, who co-chaired the event explained: “Delegates heard about the work being undertaken to ensure we provide intensive support to the care experienced community. We also how discussed how we are improving health and wellbeing opportunities for children and young people who live in our communities.

“Some of the things we’ve achieved here in North Lanarkshire include the creation of a virtual school, forming a dedicated aftercare team and new housing procedures.”

The event was opened by Derek Brown, the council’s Depute Chief Executive, who said: “It was great to see so many people from such a range of organisations attending the Promise Conference. It clearly underlines the importance we place on providing children, young people and their families with the full support they deserve.”

Delegates also heard from event co-chair and Local Police Commander Stevie Dolan and Community Justice Scotland advisor James Docherty.

Topics up for discussion included: national direction and learning, children to remain with their families when safe to do so, the foundations of relationships and creative arts.

James Docherty spoke from a perspective of lived experience of the importance of building and sustaining relationships. He highlighted that relationships support resilience and attachment and can make a difference to a child having a good childhood and a positive transition into adulthood.

Delegates heard from Amy Ford, 2U Programme and Intervention Lead, Portsmouth City Council and Brian Smedley Education and Families Manager (Justice Service) about the ‘Up 2U Family Practice Model’ which provides a framework for working with families when there are difficult and challenging issues including domestic abuse.

The model helps parents to reflect on issues and the impact on their children, providing individual and group support for parents, support tailored to the family’s needs.

After lunch, the council’s creative arts team energised delegates then built on this work by composing a song reflecting participants' commitment to delivering The Promise for children, young people and their families.

Those attending also heard about the development of a new after-care website, which will provide a central point of information and advice for care experienced people and those who support them.

Beth-Anne Logan added: “While it’s important to highlight the many significant achievements we’ve made, it’s also worthwhile reflecting on what we’ve still to do in our individual roles to improve life experiences for the care-experienced community.”