New looked after children publications now available
The Scottish Government has recently published a number of documents related to looked after children, young people and care leavers.
'These Are Our Bairns': A guide for community planning partnerships on being a good corporate parent
This guidance is aimed at supporting and encouraging organisations and agencies who are responsible for working together to meet the needs of looked after children, young people and care leavers to be good corporate parents.
See the Corporate parenting section on the Looked after children website for summary information and links to the full report.
The broad aim of this research was to identify interventions that appeared to make the most differences in terms of both the educational experience and the educational outcomes of the looked after children and young people participating in the 18 Scottish Government funded pilot projects in local authorities across Scotland.
'Core tasks for Designated Managers in educational and residential establishments in Scotland'
The role of the designated manager for looked after children and young people in schools was established following the publication of the 'Learning With Care' report in 2001. Having a designated manager in educational establishments and developing a reciprocal role in residential child care establishments is central to improving educational outcomes. This guidance is aimed at assisting designated managers in discharging their responsibilities to looked after children, young people and care leavers.
See more about the role of the designated manager and a link to the full report on the Looked afer children website.
Assessment and Support for Kinship Carers of Looked After Children
This interim guidance prepared by the Task Group on Kinship care focuses on the assessment and approval processes for kinship carers of looked after children. It also identifies the different legal requirements that local authorities will have to fulfil until the revised regulations are implemented. Citizens Advice Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government, has also launched its specialist helpline to provide confidential help and support for all kinship carers in Scotland. The CAS phone number is 0844 576 2955.
The Looked after children website has more information on fostering and kinship care
This Scottish Government report provides examples of practice from all 32 Scottish local authorities which show their aspirations for their looked after children and young people and care leavers. It also demonstrates their intentions to support these young people in a variety of ways, through their chosen pathway, to becoming successful, contributing members of society. Local authorities have powers under Section 30 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 to provide financial support for care leavers who are in full time education, training or a modern apprenticeship.
There's more information on the Successful and responsible adults section of the Looked after children website