Commissioner calls for answers and accountability.

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said: “I am deeply concerned that this report shows the number of children who have died while in care of the State is increasing.   

“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.    

“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. This is an essential part of addressing preventable deaths. It is worrying therefore that the available data appears to be conflicting. The Government needs to get to the bottom of that.  

“It is essential to be sensitive to surviving family members, but the cause of death is also a crucial factor to be considered in any review. It is clearly important for the individual child and their family, but it also ensures that the rights of all children are protected and there is an opportunity for lessons to be learned.”