The Promise Annual Update

Progress is being made in Dundee to improve outcomes for care experienced children, young people and care leavers.

The Children and Families Committee will hear the latest and final update on Our Promise 2023-26.

Over the last year, the report highlights that the number of children and young people in care has reduced by 22%.

Part of the reduction can be attributed to the increased use of family-based care, with more looked after children being cared for in kinship or foster care rather than internal or external residential care.

In addition, efficiencies identified in social work have reduced the time social workers spend each week on administrative tasks and enabled more engagement with children and young people ensuring their voices are heard they make decisions about their care. 

However, there remain areas where improvement is needed, including improving attainment for looked after children. 

Going forward, Our Promise updates will be incorporated into the Children’s Services Planning Partnership Plan 2026-29, which outlines a further range of actions, including the development of a co-located, multi-agency Crichton Street Hub for vulnerable adolescents and creating housing pathways for care leavers.

Children and Families Convener Stewart Hunter said: "There are a lot of positives in this report and it's great to see the number of children and young people in care reducing.

"We are committed to providing the best support for our looked after children and making sure they get the right help to help them thrive.

"There is still a lot more work to be done and over the next year we will be looking to improve attainment for our looked after children and young people and recruit more foster carers in the city."

The Children and Families Committee will meet on 26^th October 2026