Looked after children
Being emotionally, mentally and physically healthy
Introduction to health
Information on health issues that looked after children and young people experience and an outline of recent initiatives to improve these outcomes.
Physical health
Information on the importance of good physical health and ways to improve it.
Mental health and wellbeing
Good mental health is critical to the development of looked after children and young people.
Relationships and sexual health
Healthy relationships are vital for the journey into adulthood.
Other health initiatives
What's happening in Scotland to improve health outcomes?
Our vision
Scotland's looked after children and young people will benefit from access to a range of appropriate services designed to meet their emotional, mental and physical needs. Professionals, foster carers, residential workers, teaching staff and parents will be trained to understand the importance and value of meeting these needs. All of our looked after children and young people should grow to be emotionally, mentally and physically healthy.The common themes for our work
- Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are critical in facilitating positive educational outcomes for looked after children and young people.
- Positive, consistent relationships are equally critical in fostering identity, self-esteem, self-worth, resilience and a sense of stability and trust.
- School-based supports are central to providing continuity and secrecy, which in turn are essential prerequisites for effective learning to take place.
- Support available must be varied in order to meet the spectrum of individual need.
- Assessing services and general awareness of what is available could be improved.