Bid to give voice to youngsters in care

YOUNG people growing up in care will be helped to bend the ear of government agencies under a £2.3 million lottery-backed scheme.

So called ‘champions boards’ are to be set up across Scotland, using the cash to help young people in care influence decisions affecting them.

The Life Changes Trust said the grant would revolutionise the way decisions are taken about young people.

Already established in Dundee, the boards ensure children and young people in care have the skills and confidence to take their views direct to senior council leaders. Meetings are often held away from offices, in youth settings or over me a l s , rather than formally.

Dundee City Council’s former chief executive David Dorward helped pioneer the approach, which is now being carried forward by his replace- ment David Martin, the former chief executive of Renfrewshire Council – which is also enthusiastic about champions boards.

The Life Changes Trust said bringing together young people who have experience of care with decision makers would help transform their lives for the better.

Heather Coady, director of the Trust’s Care Experienced Young People Programme, said: “Care experienced young people have enormous potential to shape their lives and those of their peers for the better. Champions boards provide a distinctive and powerful way of harnessing this potential.”

Mr Martin added: “My experience of the champions board in Dundee has been hugely positive, particularly in the commitment, knowledge and skills of the care experienced children and young people who form the backbone of the approach in our city.”