Prospects for care children 'poor'

Sep 2 2010

The life prospects of youngsters in residential care in Scotland are "generally poor", with many facing unemployment, homelessness and prison, a spending watchdog has found.

Councils, the Scottish Government, the NHS and other bodies are being urged to show greater leadership to ensure the system meets youngsters' needs in an Audit Scotland report for the Accounts Commission.

Budgets for residential childcare are also being overspent by £18 million and will become increasingly difficult to manage as spending cuts bite.