A transformation in the way family support services are delivered from crisis intervention to preventive support is being supported by  £32 million from the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Funding for 2022-23. The money which goes to local councils and which shifts the focus to the individual needs of families will see a further £6 million available.

The aim is to reduce the number of children and young people in care by 2030 through supporting families.

The remaining £12 million of Whole Family Wellbeing Funding committed for 2022-23 is still to be allocated.

The money will be used to support a range of issues including:

• child and adolescent mental health
• child poverty
• alcohol and drugs misuse
• educational attainment

This is all part of a wider review of Care Services in Scotland. The Promise Scotland is the organisation responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review.

Click on this link for: Support for Care Experienced students

“If you’re a new or continuing Care Experienced student, you can apply for a funding package of:

• tuition fees
• non-income assessed Care Experienced Students Bursary (CESB)

The amount available is currently £8,100.”

See also: Support For Care Experienced Families

Scottish Government Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“It is essential that we provide the right kind of support to enable families to thrive so that, ultimately, fewer children and young people go into care. 

“Whole Family Wellbeing Funding aims to transform the way support is delivered by ensuring families can access seamless support that meets their individual needs.

“The £50 million committed in 2022-23 will focus on building the capacity for further investment from 2023-24 onwards. This funding is a critical part of how we will keep the Promise by helping families access the support they need, where and when they need it.

“Our ambition is that from 2030, we will be investing at least 5% of all community-based health and social care spend in preventative whole family support measures.”