Programmes such as the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund are helping to support families earlier and reduce the need for children to enter residential care. There have also been positive results from visiting services like Includem, Circle Whole Family Support and Open Kindergarten, where families reported the benefits of early help.

The Minister noted that the proportion of children in care is now at its lowest level since 2005, and while some children will always require care, the Scottish Government’s focus is on giving families as much support as possible at the earliest stage.