Seòmar agus comataidhean

It expired at the end of March 2023 and we are looking to expand and increase it now.

I understand that concerns have been raised about the funding for social work. I reiterate that the figures were worked out in conjunction with various organisations, including Social Work Scotland. We very much value the work of our social workers, and I want to ensure that their engagement continues throughout the process. They will be involved in the meeting of the group on 5 June that I have mentioned.

I will pass back over to Helen Duncan on the intricate details.

Again, it is difficult to quantify that.

That is the case with many things in the bill, as has been alluded to. That is something that will be looked at.

I have seen COSLA’s comments and I am aware of them. As I said, we will be engaging on the matter.

That is a point that Social Work Scotland made. I reiterate that Social Work Scotland was involved in the initial discussions. As I said, that is something that is on-going. If Social Work Scotland has now raised those concerns, they will be looked at and discussed as we move forward. I appreciate those concerns.

Cross-border placements should really only be used in exceptional circumstances and I know that other committees have heard powerful evidence about what those circumstances are. The issue with cross-border placements is the fact that England simply does not have enough capacity, and that should not impact on children in Scotland if there is no place in secure care for them.

There will need to be a gradual change with the costs, but I have already mentioned the last-bed pilot and the increase to 16 beds, which will ensure capacity for Scottish children while reducing the capacity for cross-border placements from England. I emphasise that we are cognisant of the fact that cross-border placements will still be required to happen in exceptional circumstances, but only when it is absolutely essential for the child’s welfare.

Yes. At the moment, the costs for secure care are significantly higher than the cost for young offenders institutions. For the exact detail on that, I will pass over to my official, Brendan Rooney.

Yes, absolutely. That is why I am saying that we really do not want those placements to happen unless they are absolutely essential or for exceptional circumstances. We do not want to remove a young person from everything that they know and from resources and support networks that could be around them. In essence, then, the answer to your question is yes.