As the Executive focuses on improving support for children of substance-misusing parents, researchers meet a group of young people now on the cusp of adulthood whose childhoods were blighted by drugs and alcohol. Angus Bankcroft reports.

Young people with learning disabilities in Scotland are helping develop the policies and projects of learning disability charity Enable, thanks to a scheme which supports them as spokespeople for their area. Lynn Gilmour reports

This year, a government inspection of Stirling's Children's Services said there was clear evidence that the integrated service was “having a significant impact on improving the quality of education and the lives of vulnerable children”. Gordon Jeyes, director of the service, says he now intends to step up the pace of integration.

First there were MSPs, then MSYPs, now there will be MCPs – Members of the Children's Parliament. Cathy McCulloch outlines her vision for a future generation of young adults who know they have the power to make a difference.

Alexandra Plumtree explains the draft recommendations for reforming adoption and fostering policy in Scotland.