The Programme for Government, unveiled this week by the Scottish Government, included a series of measures aimed at helping those who have experienced the care system
Moves to support care experienced people have been welcomed by charities.
The Programme for Government, unveiled this week by the Scottish Government, included a series of measures aimed at helping those who have experienced the care system.
The proposals include parents being able to access early years learning provision for their children, once their child reaches the age of two, the removal of the age cap of 26 for the care experienced student bursary and a job grant for those aged under 26 to help with the costs of starting work.
The other initiatives are: free access to dental health treatment up to the age of 26; legislative change to support brothers and sisters in care either staying together or continuing to see one another; and access to discretionary housing benefit to help maintain tenancies.
Duncan Dunlop, chief executive of Who Cares? Scotland said: “These new and enhanced policies, announced by the First Minister today, are very welcome. It is testament to the determination of the care experienced campaigners, who continue to fight for change, that this progress has been made. It is also evidence that the First Minister is genuinely listening to the Care Experienced people that she has been spending time with.
“Who Cares? Scotland has existed for more than 40 years, advocating for people who are or have been in care. We believe that there is a need for systemic change and a radical shift in how we care for young people.
“These policies mitigate and tackle some of the injustices that Care Experienced people face, but not all. That’s why we will continue to work with the Scottish Government and all other parties in the Scottish Parliament to make further progress.”
Independent Care Review chair Fiona Duncan welcomed the announcements.
“The inclusion of these six initiatives in Programme for Government is good news for everyone who tirelessly campaigns for change to the care system,” she said.
“The Independent Care Review has heard almost 5,000 real life stories with more than half of these coming from infants, children and young people in care, as well as from families and care experienced adults – the people who know the most about the day-to-day reality of care.
“It is credit to the Scottish Government that they are also listening to people with care experience.
“The six initiatives announced in Programme for Government have the potential to make a positive difference to the lives of many infants, children and young people in care, as well as care experienced adults through opening up new opportunities.”
