YOUNG people leaving care will receive a one-off payment of £2000 to support them to move into independent living, under Scottish Government proposals.
A consultation on plans for the financial help – which will look at issues such as eligibility criteria and purpose of the payment – is being launched next week.
First Minister Humza Yousaf, who announced the proposed payment on a visit to the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum (STAF) in Glasgow today, said it will be co-designed with care experienced people to ensure it meets their needs and helps reduce some of the financial challenges they face.
In February 2020, then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon promised a “transformation in the culture of care”, following a damning report into the system.
The Independent Care Review highlighted links between those with care experience and the increased risk of poor mental health, addiction, homelessness and exploitation.
Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping the Promise by 2030 to all of our children and young people.
“This includes making sure that all young people are given the support they need to transition from care into adulthood and more independent living.
“For any young person, at any age, moving away from home can be a challenging time when we rely heavily on family support networks. Many care experienced young people won’t have that luxury which many of us take for granted.
“Care experienced people are over one and a half times more likely to experience financial difficulties and have more than double the chance of experiencing homelessness, mainly before age 30.
"We also know that money management is a top concern for young people moving on from care.
“It is important we provide the right support at the right time for our care experienced young people – and the Care Leaver Payment will provide much needed financial support at such an important moment in their lives.”
The Scottish Government said the proposed care leaver payment will form part of a broader package of support which includes access to continuing care and aftercare support for care leavers, the care experience bursary, and council tax exemption for care leavers.
A consultation seeking views on the proposed payment will launch on November 3 and end on January 26 2024.
