Every death of a child is a tragedy

This statement first appeared in an article published by The Ferret on the 2nd of September 2024.

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland:  

“The numbers of children who have died whilst in care of the State is concerning. Every death of a child is a tragedy. Every loss of a child leaves a profound and lasting impact on family, friends, and all who care for them.  

All children have the right to life and development, and the Scottish Government must do all it can to respect, protect and fulfil their rights into adulthood. There are additional obligations on the State to provide special care and assistance to any child who has been placed in its care.   

Sadly, we know that nothing can bring a child back to their loved ones. However, the Scottish Government has a duty to fully and properly investigate each child’s case which should be an essential part of addressing preventable deaths. The purpose of effective and thorough investigation is not only to establish the cause of death for the individual child, important though this is. It also ensures that the rights of all children are protected by providing scrutiny of decision making and an opportunity for lessons to be learned.”