Social work and related services

Tender description

The Scottish Government’s Children and Families Directorate, on behalf of the care and protection division, wishes to re-commission the National Kinship Care Advice Service to run initially for circa. 2 years (1 July 2020-31 March 2022) with the option of extending for a further year (2 + 1 procurement model) into 2023. The Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach supports children and young people so that they can grow up feeling loved, safe and respected and can realise their full potential. The 2017-18 Children’s Social Work Statistics Scotland highlighted that there are around 4100 (28 %) looked after children living in formal kinship care placements, and more are living in informal or private kinship arrangements. These kinship care arrangements mean that young people often remain in their local communities, attending the same school as they did when in the care of birth parents and in many cases increases significantly the likelihood of stability throughout childhood. Children in kinship care have often experienced adverse childhood experiences, which can contribute to an increased vulnerability. Their carers require additional knowledge and skills in order to promote their welfare and wellbeing. The Scottish Government recognises the important role played by kinship carers in providing secure, stable and nurturing homes for children who cannot be cared for by their birth parents, and so wishes to re-commission the National Kinship Care Advice Service to provide vital support to these families. This requirement will be awarded to a single supplier.