New law would give lifelong advocacy right to care-experienced people – minister

A new Bill would provide care-experienced people with a lifelong right to access advocacy services, a minister has said.

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill was published on Wednesday.

If passed, it would extend the aftercare support currently available for 16 to 26-year-olds to earlier cohorts.

The legislation would also create a national register of foster carers.

By aiming to provide a legal right to access advocacy and expanding aftercare support, we are responding directly to what people with care experience have told us they need

The Scottish Government said it will provide a “crucial step” towards keeping The Promise – a range of commitments to care-experienced young people that they would grow up loved, safe and respected.

Earlier this year, the oversight board for The Promise said issues impacting Scotland’s workforce and providing whole family support has meant the commitments are not halfway to being kept.

Minister for The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, said: “This Bill puts the needs and rights of care-experienced children and young people at the heart of our care system.

“By aiming to provide a legal right to access advocacy and expanding aftercare support, we are responding directly to what people with care experience have told us they need.

“This legislation marks a crucial step forward in keeping The Promise by 2030.

“It will ensure children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey, so that they grow up loved, safe, and respected.”