A new report reveals urgent action is needed to prevent homelessness among care leavers
Glasgow: A new report is coming out this week. It highlights the risks young people face after leaving care. The report calls for urgent action to prevent homelessness among these individuals.
This “progress report” marks five years since the launch of “The Promise.” This initiative aims to improve the lives of children in care. It was started by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in February 2020.
The Promise states that all children in care should feel “loved, safe, and respected.” The goal is to fully implement its recommendations by 2030. However, the oversight board is now criticizing the Scottish Government for not addressing youth homelessness.
While some progress has been made, the report says the government has ignored requests to help care leavers facing homelessness. The oversight board claims there’s been “no reasonable explanation” for this inaction.
The chair of the oversight board mentioned that “the promise has already been broken” for some young people. They stressed that young people in care need a home to fulfill these commitments.
Recent data shows a 14% increase in care leavers under 25 facing homelessness. This issue has been growing, especially since the Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency in May 2024.
The government had previously paused an agreement that prioritized housing support for young care leavers. The oversight board raised concerns about this in July 2023 and followed up with letters to key ministers.
These letters linked homelessness to a higher risk of “tragic early death” for young care leavers. Despite meetings, the policy remains unchanged.
The oversight board disputes the government’s claim that current actions are enough. They argue that the homeless statistics show worsening conditions, not improvement.
The report urges the government to restore or replace the paused housing support. It emphasizes that having a home is essential for keeping The Promise.
Additionally, the report calls for more affordable housing, especially for larger families. It also highlights the need to address the number of children stuck in temporary accommodations.
David Anderson, the board’s chair, acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve these issues. He mentioned that a government official recently reached out for another meeting to discuss resources for preventing homelessness.
Anderson noted some positive initiatives, like The National House Project in Fife, which helps young people transition to independent living. However, he stressed that progress is too slow.
He shared his own experience of feeling unsafe in a flat at 16. He pointed out that many young people today feel the same way. They often prefer to leave their homes rather than stay in unsafe conditions.
Emily Cutts, from Glasgow’s G20 Works, reported that vulnerable young people are often placed in hostels with adults, putting them at risk. She mentioned the difficulty in finding suitable accommodation due to long waiting lists.
One young person felt so unsafe that they blocked their door with a bike. Cutts emphasized the need for more services to support these individuals.
Other charities confirmed that these issues are widespread across Scotland. Who Cares? Scotland reported that 37% of over-16s raised housing concerns, with many experiencing homelessness.
Scottish Labour’s spokesperson criticized the government for failing care-experienced young people. They urged the government to heed the oversight board’s warnings and take action.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government stated that addressing the housing emergency remains a priority for 2025. They aim to support children in temporary accommodations and prevent homelessness.
