Non-compulsory care of children and young people in Scotland: Learning from experience of section 25

This research, carried out by CELCIS and funded by the Nuffield Foundation, brings together findings of how Section 25 arrangements in Scotland are experienced from the perspectives of people who were involved in the use of Section 25 arrangements, including parents, social workers, solicitors, children’s reporters and independent advocates, and an analysis of longitudinal data. It follows an initial study by CELCIS in 2020, which found variation in the use, duration, type of placement, and outcomes associated with Section 25 arrangements.

The report findings show that:

Section 25 arrangements are used more frequently than was previously understood
There is significant variation in the use of Section 25 arrangements between different local authorities, social workers and social work teams when responding to the care and protection needs of Scotland’s children
Parents often do not fully understand Section 25 arrangements and could feel that they had no choice but to agree to these

Ahead of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 - in which Section 25 is enshrined - turning 30 years old in 2025, the report sets out several core considerations designed to underpin a new programme of work into how Section 25 in Scotland is used.