Children in care wait 10 years for permanent home – study

Dr Paula Jacobs, research fellow at the University of Stirling, was involved in interviewing children and caregivers for the study.

She said: “We heard about the complexity of renewing or maintaining connections across different families, where children may have different needs.

“While not underestimating the sensitivity needed to maintain or renew connections, the fact that so many children do not currently have any form of contact with their brothers and sisters is stark.”

The research is led by the University of Stirling in collaboration with Lancaster University, and the Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption Scotland (AFKA).

The study was funded by a philanthropic donor and the Nuffield Foundation.

Minister for Children and Young People Natalie Don-Innes said the Scottish government was committed to Keeping The Promise, external by ensuring that all care-experienced children and young people grow up feeling “safe, loved and respected”.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring that permanent homes are secured for children and young people in timescales that are right for them.

“We are funding AFKA to deliver good practice guides helping social workers as they support children, young people and their families.

“We continue to work closely with The Promise Scotland, Cosla and other delivery partners to ensure we can deliver on these aims.”