Holyrood committee calls for views on care experience legislation

A Holyrood committee has called for views on Scottish Government legislation aimed at providing more support for care-experienced young people.

In 2020, the Scottish Government enshrined the findings of an independent review of care in what has since become known as The Promise – pledging to improve lives for those who spent time in care in childhood by 2030.

Currently, aftercare – which includes help with education, housing and employment – is only afforded up to the age of 18 for those in care.

But as part of fulfilling that pledge, the Government has proposed legislation which would provide such services until the age of 26, as well as lifelong advocacy services.

As well as changes to services offered to care-experienced people, the legislation would create a national register of foster carers and put limits on the profits that can be made from the care of children.

On Friday, Holyrood’s Education, Children and Young People Committee launched a call for views, including those with care experience, on the legislation.

“In 2020, the Independent Care Review set out a series of promises to Scotland’s care-experienced children and young people,” said the committee convener, Douglas Ross.

“We have kept a constant eye on progress towards meeting those promises and it is clear, from hearing from care-experienced young people and those supporting them, that there are many challenges still to overcome.

“The committee will look closely at this Bill, listen to the views of everyone affected by it, and assess whether it will bring about the changes needed to ensure that all care-experienced children and young people can enjoy the childhood they deserve.

“If you are care-experienced, or work to support care-experienced children and young people, please share your views on the proposals in this Bill.”

The consultation will close on August 15, with the committee due to start evidence sessions when Holyrood returns from recess.