'Moving On' from care into adulthood: consultation analysis

6. Conclusions

A range of individuals and organisations with detailed knowledge and lived experience of care participated in the consultation, sharing their time, views and experiences on how best to support young people as they transition from care into adulthood. This report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. For more detail, readers are encouraged to read individual responses, where permission was given for publication, via the Scottish Government’s consultation website.

There was an overall consensus among respondents about the approaches and actions required to support young people moving on from care and into adulthood. Key themes reiterated throughout responses included the importance of multi-agency collaboration, staff upskilling professionals through trauma-informed training, and a person-centred, flexible approach to support.

Multi agency collaboration was highlighted as an important aspect of providing the necessary support for young people transitioning from care. Respondents emphasised the importance of different agencies working together while the young person was still in care and for children’s and adult services to work together in preparation for the transition. A lack of communication between local authorities and other organisations in support systems was perceived as problematic, in particular when young people hoped to move closer to their birth family or decided to attend further or higher education institutions in a different local authority area.

Ensuring that all those who engage with young people with care experience have a good understanding of trauma was a common theme. They noted that building an understanding of care experience among those who support or provide services to this group, including future employers, teachers and university staff, midwives and housing officers, could improve the transition to adulthood and reduce any potential discrimination and stigma that those with care experience may face.

Considering each young person's individual experiences and providing flexible pathways and support, particularly around care planning and assessments, was also emphasised repeatedly. Respondents noted that each young person has a unique history, with their own diverse needs and will prefer varying levels of independence as they transition out of care. Respondents noted it is important to provide options, to listen to the desires of the young person and to be realistic about what next steps are available.

Beyond these overarching themes, respondents regularly noted the importance of clear communication; signposting young people to available support and services, particularly as they start to live independently; providing young people with the skills needed to live independently, including access to budgeting, cooking and homemaking skills; and support to access education and employment. Several respondents highlighted corporate parenting responsibilities and noted the potential to provide voluntary, work placement or employment opportunities for young people with care experience to fulfil these responsibilities.

Throughout the consultation and engagement events, respondents expressed concern about abrupt ends to support, preferring gradual transitions. A common theme was support for early engagement with young people, care workers and support teams around each transition. Several respondents requested protocols to provide young people with a ‘no wrong door’ policy, allowing them to access a range of support workers whom they could approach with questions and concerns as they move into adulthood.

A recurring theme throughout responses was a shortfall in funding and staffing to support young people as they transition out of care and into adulthood. Respondents noted budgetary restrictions limited the number of available staff and that excessive workloads were detrimental to staff retention. While extending eligibility for Continuing Care and Aftercare and providing access for young people with care experience to Lifelong Care was supported, respondents questioned how it would be possible within current budgets and with overstretched social work and social care staff. Similarly, resource challenges with specific support services were noted. For example, long waiting times for mental health support during the transition phase were highlighted, as were housing shortages, which can create a barrier to transitioning into appropriate tenancies.

Overall, there is widespread agreement about how to address the challenges faced by young people with care experience as they transition into adulthood. Alongside other evidence, the consultation responses provide valuable and informative evidence for the Scottish Government to draw upon when developing policies to help ensure all young people in Scotland who are care experienced can reach their full potential.