This guidance is designed to help local authorities provide integrated services for young people leaving care. This consultation paper sets out the draft Support and Assistance of Young People Leaving Care (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and accompanying guidance. These documents will implement changes to the provision of services for young people preparing to leave and those who have left local authority care in Scotland from the 1st of April 2004.
Research has shown that the outcomes for young people leaving care are poor and that more needs to be done to provide support during this critical time. Young people need to be assisted in realising their aspirations and should have the same life chances as their peers who have not been in the care system. Ministers have committed to closing the opportunity gap for young people leaving care.