Watchdog calls for action to help youngsters in care far from home

Recommendations to improve the lives of children experiencing care in distance placements have been issued by the Care Inspectorate.

A new report found that a combination of inadequate planning, poor practice and limited resources is resulting in some children facing further trauma and negative outcomes.

Distance placements refer to any child who has been placed in care outside of their home community, with the report giving emphasis to issues faced by children placed in Scotland from other parts of the UK.

Concerns over placements to inappropriate settings away from family, friends and familiar support networks are highlighted in the publication.

It found that children have arrived in placements after having been transported at night with no familiar adults and no indication of the destination.

Children are often unaware of their rights and have no-one to advocate for them upon arrival and, at times, host authorities were unaware of placements in the area until serious issues arose, the report found.

The Care Inspectorate recommendations include ensuring transportation of children to and from care placements is childcentred, trauma-sensitive and adheres to legislation on human rights.

Scottish care providers will be required to notify the regulator when a young person from a different legal jurisdiction moves in and out of their placement, and should ensure before accepting any placements that the child has a named independent advocate.

The publication also highlighted the legal duties of placing authorities, after evidence suggested some don’t stick to the guidance.

Edith Macintosh, interim chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, said progress had been made, but added: “This vital report shows much more must be done to protect children with the greatest needs in our society.”

“This vital report shows much more must be done to protect children