£3m to help children leaving care

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A £3m grant to help children in care go on to lead independent lives has been announced by ministers.

The money will be targeted towards youngsters living alone once they leave care and should help them find work or training.

Latest figures show there are 1,560 children in residential care homes and schools across Scotland.

The one-off grant will be distributed between 227 residential establishments around the country.

Announcing the funding, Adam Ingram, the children and early years minister, said: "We want everyone to play a part in a smarter, more prosperous Scotland and this money can help looked-after children fulfil their ambitions.

While this money is a start, much more investment is needed in order for local authorities to become good corporate parents Anne HoustonChildren 1st

"Taking the step from residential care to independent living can be daunting so we want it to be as easy as possible for these young people to make the switch and enjoy future success."

The Scottish Executive said the money would be used to adapt the living accommodation at care homes to encourage youngsters to become more self-sufficient.

Homes could also use it to improve facilities to teach skills such as woodcraft, metalwork, machinery and sewing, to help improve the teenagers' chances of finding work when they leave.

Anne Houston, the chief executive of children's charity, Children 1st, welcomed the funding but said more was needed.

"Any increase in funding to enable vulnerable young people living in care to be better prepared for the often difficult transition into independent living is to be welcomed," she said.

"While this money is a start, much more investment is needed in order for local authorities to become good corporate parents."