FtSE Member News: Greater rights for young people in Scottish care

Hundreds of Scotland’s most vulnerable young people are to be given greater rights to continuing their care placement into early adulthood from next year, the Scottish Government has announced today.

From April 2015, teenagers in residential, foster or kinship care who turn 16 will be entitled to remain looked after until the age of 21 under new provisions proposed for the Children and Young People Bill.

Carol Iddon, director of children’s services (UK North) at Action for Children, said: “The trauma that many children experience before being taken into care can mean that they are not ready to leave home as teenagers - many are forced to live independently at just 16 years old and we know it can be a dangerous and lonely experience. That is why today’s announcement is a vital step forward.

“It is great to see the Scottish Government taking a lead in committing to provide young people in all forms of care, not just foster care, with the support they need and deserve. We look forward to brighter futures for this generation of looked after children and those to come.”

Action for Children works with children and young people in care in Scotland and has provided evidence to the Children and Young People Bill to support the need for young people to remain in care until at least 21.

Source: www.actionforchildren.org.uk/news/archive/2014/january/greater-rights-for-young-people-in-scottish-care

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