Letter: Help for young

I WRITE in relation to figures released by Audit Scotland yesterday (your report, 2 September) on the amount spent on young people in residential units and schools and their outcomes.

These children are at a higher risk of unemployment, homelessness, poor health and spending time in prison. While it makes for shocking reading, unfortunately it is not surprising.

Spending on residential care increased by 68 per cent between 2001/2 and 2008/9 to 250m. The report found that when placing these young people in residential care, short-term outcomes were addressed but that little or no regard was given to long-term goals such as helping them gain qualifications or employment.

Around 1,600 children in Scotland each year are placed in residential schools or units. This is a particularly vulnerable group, already on a negative path of life. We must encourage these young people to get their lives back on track, equipping them with the confidence, skills, ability and ambition to succeed. Early intervention is key. The earlier a vulnerable young person gets the help and support they need, the more likely they are to succeed and contribute to society in an effective and meaningful manner.

Geraldine Gammell

The Prince's Trust Scotland

Queen Street

Glasgow