Focus on care home children

A new scheme for children in the care system is on trial n West Lothian.

Lifelong Links aims to identify and engage relatives connected to a child in care who are willing to make a life-long commitment to that child and build up a support network.

The trials are taking place in West Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow and Perth and Kinross.

It is estimated that 70 per cent of prisoners in Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow have been in care.

Lifelong Links believe that the single factor most closely associated with positive outcomes for children is meaningful, lifelong connections to family.

Project director Stuart Graham said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with West Lothian Council and Children 1st in West Lothian.

“It’s an important part of a wider programme of transformation change that aims to improve the outcomes for care experienced young people.”

There are just under 15,000 children in care in Scotland and West Lothian has one of the fastest growing populations of young people in the country.

A council spokesperson said: “The Lifelong Links pilot will see social policy officers working with Children First to help looked-after children aged under 16 who have been in care for three years or less to connect with any support network or family members that may have been available prior to entering the care system.

“We are committed to working with partners to improve outcomes for children in our care.

“It is hoped the Lifelong Links project will help us meet this goal by assisting young people develop or re-establish links with key adults in their life.”

For more information see www.frg.org.uk/involving-families/family-group-conferences/lifelong-links#what-is-lifelong-links.