Non-compulsory care for children and young people: learning from research on Section 25 arrangements. What next for Scotland?

This paper presents the key issues arising for social work practice from a 30-month mixed-methods study on how Section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 was used, understood and experienced. The research was based on analysis of data collected in focus groups and interviews with 101 people with lived and professional experience of Section 25 arrangements, and a 12-year longitudinal data set. Through exploration of themes including high levels and variation in use of Section 25 arrangements, consent, understanding, and the concept of ‘voluntary’, this paper provides suggested next steps for improving policy, practice, and experiences of Section 25 arrangements in Scotland.