Cash boost fails to help at-risk kids

Children in care are leaving the support network too early, MSPs have been told. Social work officials also told the Scottish Parliament Public Audit Committee that despite a massive increase in spending, children are not being looked after any better.

Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner, said youngsters are leaving care too young and having to cope without the support other young people have, even after they leave home.

Mr Baillie said: “There is a difference between children leaving care at age 16 or 17 and young people leaving the family home in their mid 20s or even later now.

“We have tried hard to ensure children don’t leave care too soon. What would we say to our children if they wanted to leave home at 16?

“We are too willing to go along with a young person who wants to leave care early. What happens when they leave care?

“They go into supported accommodation some end up in homeless accommodation, but there is no comeback, there is no re-entry to the care setting.”

The committee heard how in recent years council’s have reduced their accommodation and other providers have entered the market, determining what councils must pay. Peter MacLeod, head of social work at Renfrewshire Council, said costs had gone up by almost 70% for children under the care of a local authority in the last seven years.

A move from larger residential school units to smaller four or five bedroom homes has also being recognised as leading to higher charges.

Mr Baillie said more needed to be done to ensure better outcomes when people leave care.

He added: “The years of care come to an abrupt end too young.”