The Scottish Government has proposed a new Care Leaver Payment, which is a standalone payment of £2,000 to young people transitioning out of the care system. The purpose of the payment is to help reduce some of the financial barriers which young people face while moving on from care into adulthood and more independent living.

Wider support package needed

Children’s Hearings Scotland responded to the consultation in relation to the Care Leaver Payment. While we support the Government in providing additional financial support to those leaving the care system, we believe that this is only one small part of an intensive support care package that young people need when leaving care. 

An area of particular concern is the high number of young people who leave care and then experience homelessness. More needs to be done to ensure that all young people leaving care are provided with high quality and safe accommodation – a place that becomes their long-term home.