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From BBC Scotland today, the above and:

A report has found a flagship SNP policy – championed by Nicola Sturgeon – is running out of time to improve the care system. The Scottish government signed up to The Promise in 2020 to make the lives of care-experienced children and young people better by 2030.

An update on its progress, external reveals too much of the pledge made to Scotland’s children, families and care-experienced adults remains on paper, not in people’s lives. The independent oversight board for the Promise wants those with power to “move faster, with greater urgency and a determined focus”. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm624yj3lz3lo

Who chairs the above ‘independent oversight board?’

This guy:

What have they/BBC Scotland missed out?

In the Guardian 21 May 2026, the above and:

More than 100 young people have died after leaving the care of social services in England in the past year, according to data released by the government.

In the year to April 2026 there were 106 reported deaths of care leavers, with 91 deaths reported in the 12 months before. Most of those who died were aged 16 to 21.

Although a requirement to report these deaths was introduced in 2023, ministers believe the true figure is probably higher.

Labour launched an urgent review into the deaths in April to try to identify where support systems may have failed. Announcing the review, the government said it was a “horrifying fact” that a disproportionate number of people who had been in care died young, often not having had appropriate support. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/21/care-leavers-deaths-social-services-england-review

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In the light of the above comment about lack of support, does Scotland offer more?

Scotland has a more carer-specific statutory framework than England:

• Carers (Scotland) Act 2016: Gives young carers enforceable rights, including a Young Carer Statement (equivalent to an adult carer support plan) to assess needs and outcomes. Local authorities must consider these in planning, involve young carers, and provide support to help them continue caring (if they wish) while minimizing negative impacts on their lives (e.g., education, health). https://www.gov.scot/publications/carers-scotland-act-2016-implementation-plan-2021-2023-march-2021/pages/2/
• Financial Support: The Young Carer Grant (£390.25 in 2025/26) for 16–19-year-olds providing regular care (expanded to age 19). This is a distinct Scottish benefit. Additional packages via Young Scot include broader entitlements. https://carers.org/carers-and-the-law/policy-and-legislation-in-scotland
• Strategies and Funding: National Carers Strategy, funding for Young Carers Services Alliance, school awareness (e.g., Education Officer post with Carers Trust), and local strategies. Emphasis on identification, breaks from caring, and holistic support. https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-carers-strategy/pages/7/

These predate the recent England crisis and reflect a longer-term focus (e.g., earlier “Getting It Right for Young Carers” strategy). Young carers can become care leavers or vice versa. Scotland has:

• Statutory aftercare duties under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (amended): Support until at least 19, with needs assessments up to 26+.
• Recent £2,000 one-off Care Leaver Payment (from ~April 2026) for those leaving care at 16+ to aid independent living. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w3qwx741vo
• Initiatives like “The Promise” (care review follow-up) aiming for better transitions, education bursaries, and housing support.
• Continuing care options to stay with foster carers longer.

In summary, yes, the Scottish Government has done more on a statutory and targeted basis for young carers specifically (via the 2016 Act and grants), with parallel efforts for care leavers. This predates and stands somewhat apart from England’s recent crisis, though no system fully eliminates risks for these highly vulnerable groups.

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