ABOUT the lifelong rights campaign
For the past 45 years, Who Cares? Scotland has endeavoured to be at the heart of the Care Experienced community in Scotland.
Because when we ensure everyone in our community has access to the support they need, when they need it, everyone benefits.
However, our learning from our work since we were founded by a group of social workers and Care Experienced people in 1978, tells us that Care Experienced people, from birth to old age, continue to have their rights diluted, infringed, or disregarded altogether.
Our commitment to recording and evidencing what we hear from Care Experienced people reinforces the limited national data available, which shows that Care Experienced people currently do not have the same life outcomes as their non Care Experienced peers.
The Promise states:
However, we hear from the Care Experienced community through participation and advocacy evidence, including our National Advocacy Helpline, that Care Experienced adults are being left to struggle and are still facing stark inequalities in areas including health, socio-economic deprivation, education and employment and housing.
What We Heard
Throughout the summer of 2023, we surveyed over 200 Care Experienced people across Scotland. We heard from them on several issues and found that
Our calls for change
Change is not just necessary, but very possible, and within reach with a different approach. To achieve equality with their non-Care Experienced peers, we have identified two campaign calls. These are:
Extra protection for Care Experienced people of all ages to access their rights.
Rights for Care Experienced people must be laid out in policy and legislation to address the additional barriers they face. Support to realise their rights must be available from the cradle to the grave. When these rights are not being met, there needs to be simple and accessible routes to justice to ensure they are upheld.
Independent, relationship-based, lifelong advocacy for every Care Experienced person in Scotland who needs it.
Everyone experiences different hardships and struggles throughout their lifetime. During these tough times, people typically rely on different support networks. If they’re having issues at work they could work with a trade union, if they need some support with legal issues they can access a lawyer. In some circumstances, family and friends can also help provide emotional support and help people have their voices heard.
For Care Experienced people, there are often many voices that surround them, such as social workers, carers and service providers, all with their own interests. For Care Experienced adults, the stigma of explaining their circumstances can hinder their confidence and voice. Everyone in our community must have the support they need to navigate life, when the rising tide of poverty, stress and other aggravating factors can set them adrift. Independent advocates can provide that support by helping make sure Care Experienced people are informed of their options, rights and ensuring they have their voices heard.
Campaign Reports
Following the launch of our Lifelong Rights Campaign, we’ve published a series of issue papers that are linked to the top issues that Care Experienced people, aged 16 and over, raise with us through independent advocacy.
Lifelong Rights report
Who Cares? Scotland is proud to publish this report to launch our new campaign for Lifelong Rights for Care Experienced people, by outlining the evidence informing our two main calls.
Housing issue paper
This paper is the first in our issue paper series.
Care Experienced people deserve to have access to safe, affordable, high-quality homes so that they can have the best chance at life. We believe that the solutions proposed in this paper go someway to ensuring that can happen for those with care experience all across Scotland.
Finance issue paper
This paper is the second in our issue paper series.
We know through our advocacy data that finance continues to be the top issue raised by Care Experienced people over the age of 16, and this paper emphasises the ongoing need to eliminate barriers to financial support and education.
Belonging issue paper
This paper is the third in a our issue paper series.
It illustrates that loneliness is a prevalent issue for Care Experienced people; that we need to continue work to keep families together where it is safe to do so; and that lifelong support, unconditional love and equal treatment is essential to sustaining relationships to help Care Experienced adults reach their full potential.
action on advocacy campaign
A key pillar of our Lifelong Rights Campaign is the call for lifelong, independent advocacy for all Care Experienced people. Right now, too many people struggle to be heard or access the support they need, especially beyond childhood or once supervision orders end.
With the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill this year, we have a real opportunity to secure this essential right in law. Independent advocacy ensures Care Experienced people are informed, empowered, and truly heard, no matter their age, background, or situation.
We are calling for the statutory right to independent, relationship-based, lifelong advocacy for every Care Experienced person in Scotland who needs it.
We’ve launched our Action on Advocacy campaign to make this right a reality. Explore powerful real-life stories, hear what Care Experienced people are telling us, and find out how you can get involved.
