Champions for looked-after children in Scotland mooted

The Social Work Inspection Agency says Scotland’s councils should appoint champions for looked-after children to reduce the discrimination they face from services.

Its Extraordinary Lives report, published today with an introduction by education minister Peter Peacock, says champions would ensure looked-after children receive the best possible care from local authorities and other agencies that deliver children’s services.

Extraordinary Lives, based on interviews with children in care and staff, says the care system and organisation of services can severely disadvantage the group.

Barriers include multiple foster placements, lack of focus on education and health, and low expectations of their ability to achieve, it adds.

But it also concludes that, with the right support from organisations and professionals, looked-after children can be successful at school, in employment and with relationships.

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