FtSE Member News: Action for Children - Young care leavers meet Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh

The views of more than 200 young people with experience of Scotland’s care system were presented to the Scottish First Minister, the Right Honourable Nicola Sturgeon MSP at a special event in Edinburgh.

She talked with 50 young people in person and then received boxes of postcards with the views of other young people supported by us.

The event is part of a series which will allow the First Minister to hear from 1,000 looked after young Scots. This will feed into the Scottish Government’s “root and branch” review of the country’s care system.

"We support upwards of 800 young Scots who have been through the care system and their views are crucial to this review. They are the experts on the system and have seen first-hand the parts which worked while also experiencing the parts which have let them down."

Paul Carberry, Director of Action for Children Scotland

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“Children and young people are the best advocates for change and today I have heard some powerful stories that really demonstrate strength, courage and success in the face of  circumstances that no young person should have to deal with.

“We all have a role to play in supporting and listening more to our young people to ensure they get the same stability and life chances that the rest of us take for granted.”

"Every child should have the best start in life and an equal chance to succeed. Yet, through no fault of their own, that’s not the case for far too many young people in care."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

​Action for Children Scotland works with more than 800 young people who have been through the care system at services including residential and short-breaks, family support services and employability support.

Paul Carberry, Director of Action for Children Scotland, added: “When the review of the care system was announced by the First Minister we welcomed it, particularly the pledge to listen to the views of care-experienced young people.

​"Our young people were thrilled to meet the First Minister and play their part in this very important review. She heard about their very real experiences which are important if we are to build of a care system which will better meet their needs and allow them to reach their potential."

Paul Carberry, Director of Action for Children Scotland

Source:
https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk

---