Care leaver system in Scotland is still inadequate

Vulnerable children leaving the care system in Scotland experience inadequate support despite new procedures put in place by local authorities, according to a new report.

Sweet 16? One Year On, looked at the progress that had been made since the Sweet 16? study was published in March last year. That report highlighted a gap between policy and practice in Scotland, with many councils and social workers encouraging children to leave care at 16 despite being entitled to care until 18.

Published by the office of Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, the new report found that while there was a commitment in principle to implementing the original report’s recommendations, lack of resources is acting as a major barrier.

Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s children’s commissioner, said: “Although work has started to put many of the recommendations of Sweet 16? into place, there is still a great deal left to do.”

She added: “I am hearing anecdotes about services for care leavers being cut back or reconfigured, possibly to save money.”

The Sweet 16? report stated policy and practice should emphasise young people’s entitlement to care and support up until the age of 18.

It also said the Scottish Government should ban the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for young people living in care.