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Extra support and greater rights for children and young people in care come into effect 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 the age of 21.

 

This is in addition to the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide support until reaching the age of 26 for care leavers to help them move into independent living at a pace which suits them.

 

The changes were introduced by the Children and Young People Act, passed by the Scottish Parliament.

 

The act also introduced new corporate parenting responsibilities for public bodies including local authorities, police, health boards, post-16 education bodies and Children’s Hearing Scotland.

 

The new duties, also starting today, require corporate parents to work together to enable children in care to overcome barriers and achieve their best.

 

Acting Minister for Children and Young People Fiona McLeod said: “Today is an important day for young people in care and care leavers. With extra support and greater rights will ensure that every young person in care knows they are supported in a way that meets their needs while looked after and during their transition towards independent lives.”

 

More support for young people in care

1 April 2015