Minister inspects Dumfries care projects

Children’s Minister Adam Ingram is visiting Dumfries to see the work being done to help young people leaving care.

He will be assessing the impact of the Go Further and Key to Work projects designed to increase educational and employment opportunities.

During his visit he will meet with staff and young people involved in both schemes.

He said he was delighted to have the chance to learn more about the “innovative work” being done.

“All children deserve the chance to fulfil their potential and there should be no difference between the life chances of young people in care and their peers,” he said.

“The Go Further and Key to Work projects have the potential to greatly improve the education, training and career prospects of young care leavers and make a real difference to their future lives.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s social work committee chairman John Dougan will be among those meeting Mr Ingram.

He said giving young people experience of the world of work was “crucial” in preparing them for “sustained employment”.