Children prefer homes

Looked-after children prefer residential to foster care,
according to a survey by Save the Children Scotland.

The study of 34 currently or previously looked-after children
aged between 15 and 25 found foster care too rule-ridden, often
with older adults who give their own children preferential
treatment. Residential care, on the other hand, is seen as more
relaxed and a chance to be with other young people. It is also
described as more stable, with fewer moves than when in foster
care.

A spokesperson for Save the Children Scotland said: “Frequent
moves between foster homes were seen as the norm despite the
popular myth that foster placements are long-term
arrangements.”

The charity called for the Scottish executive to further
investigate the survey’s “surprise” findings.