TACT is delighted that extra support and greater rights for children and young people in care have come into effect in Scotland. These changes were introduced by the Children and Young People Act last year.

From today, all teenagers in residential, foster or kinship care who turn 16 will now be entitled to remain in their care setting until they reach 21. The Scottish Government is committed to providing support for care leavers up until 26, to help them move into independent living at a pace which suits them.

There are also corporate parenting responsibilities for public bodies including local authorities, police, health boards and post-16 education bodies. Corporate parents are required to work together to enable children in care to overcome barriers and achieve their best.

Andy Elvin, TACT Chief Executive said “It is quite simply fantastic news. All children in care deserve the opportunity to stay in their home until they are 21. It is particularly positive that Scotland has gone beyond England and extended this right to children in residential care and enshrined aftercare support as a right until age 26”

Read the full announcement from the Scottish Government: Supporting Children in Care