Chamber and committees

As I said in my earlier remarks, I am very excited about the introduction of ADP. The Scottish Government has done a power of work in preparation for this, and we have heard from stakeholders and from those with lived experience that this is to be welcomed, so I hope that we will achieve cross-party support today for ADP.

Thank you, convener. Congratulations, minister, on your new post. I also wish Neil Gray all the best as a minister. I am sure that he will be great.

I am very excited about ADP. It has been a long road, since 2018. The Scottish Government has done a power of work and, as we have heard from people with lived experience, ADP will be a game changer for them.

My first question is about the financial impact of the changes. How do you balance keeping an eye on rising costs that need to be paid with the duty to encourage take-up and promote the benefit?

Yes, it is, convener.

Can you outline for the committee the Scottish Commission on Social Security’s view on how the Scottish Government is dealing with eligibility? What was its view on the approach that the Government has taken?

For the record, I note that I am a councillor in Stirling Council.

What can be done to promote greater co-production of services that actively involves young people and their families? It is great to see Judy Edwards here today, and I put that question to her.

What lessons can we learn from the experiences of collaboration during the Covid pandemic? What is being done to embed those lessons for the future? Those questions go to Jacqueline Lynn.

What support should be available to children and young people when there is a big gap before they get a CAMHS appointment? That question is also for Joanne Smith.

We could have a whole hour on just Covid-19. What impact has Covid-19 had on the mental health of children and young people? My question is to Lucy Hughes.

Good morning. I thank the witnesses for all the information and answers that they have given us so far. They have been really helpful.

My question is on waiting times. It is great that the Scottish Government has made significant announcements about CAMHS and funding. However, in my area and in other areas across Scotland, there are still significant waiting lists. I know that some of you have touched on this in previous answers, but what is your view on that? Why are there still significant waiting lists, and what can we do to help with that? That question is for Joanne Smith.

Yes. If a child or a young person has a long wait, what can we do during that time to help them?