Nicola Sturgeon recently spent time speaking to those supported by Who Cares? Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon has pledged that the Scottish Government will listen to 1,000 young people with experience of care after charities called on her to do so.
Speaking at an event in Glasgow this week the first minister said she was “delighted” to make the commitment after being asked to do so in the 1000 voices manifesto, put together by Who Cares? Scotland and a coalition of charities.
The manifesto has three main aims, including ensuring young people are allowed to return to care and aftercare is extended; that young people who are looked after at home get the support they need; and to make sure more young people have a chance at getting and keeping a job.
As the most senior corporate parent in Scotland, the first minister has now set the tone
Sturgeon said she would spend the next two years meeting young people to hear their stories.
“Every child should have the best start in life and an equal chance to succeed. Yet for far too many young people in care, and through absolutely no fault of their own, that’s not the case,” Sturgeon said.
“Children and young people are the best advocates for change and I am delighted to commit to listen to 1,000 people with experience of care.
“By listening more to our young people, and by hearing what works and how the care system can improve, we’ll be able to make meaningful, lasting change and ensure children in care get the same support, stability and life chances that the rest of us take for granted.”
Duncan Dunlop, chief executive of Who Cares? Scotland said the commitment will set Scotland on a journey that will change the outcomes for care experienced people once and for all.
"The Scottish Government, when passing the Children and Young People Act, did something that had never been done by any government in the world,” he said.
“They engaged with care experienced people, listened to their stories, and made legislation that addressed the realities of what it's like to leave care.
"As the most senior corporate parent in Scotland, the first minister has now set the tone.
“Decisions can't and shouldn't be made without listening to care experienced people.
“It is this commitment to working together that makes us confident that we are on the road to giving every care experienced person in Scotland the future we would want for our own children."
