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Developing a Universal Definition of ‘Care Experience’: An Opportunity to Address the Imbalance of Support

The Scottish Government’s recent public consultation on Developing a Universal Definition of ‘Care Experience’ presents a critical opportunity to address the imbalance of support available to those experiencing the ‘care system.’ 

intandem, managed by Inspiring Scotland is  a national mentoring programme for young people in, or at risk of experiencing the ‘care system’, is well positioned to gather valuable insights from those with lived experience. 

Our intandem team conducted in-depth interviews with a range of individuals with lived experience, including young people currently mentored by intandem, care experienced adults who were previously mentored by intandem, and staff from partner charities who work directly with young people in or at risk of experiencing the ‘care system’, as well as their families. 

Key Insights: A Strong Case for a Universal Definition 

There was a significant consensus that a universal definition of ‘care experience’ could help address current inequities in support and access to entitlements. Many expressed that a clear, universal definition could help streamline the process of accessing support for both the services offering support and the people needing the support. This would prevent young people experiencing the ‘care system’ from having to repeatedly share their personal experiences, which can be re-traumatising. 

One young person reflected on the challenge of recounting their past repeatedly, saying, “It’s annoying to go through everything in your past every time.” A universal definition could reduce this burden and provide a more respectful and efficient way to access services and entitlements, especially if it was accompanied by a document or card that could be presented, eliminating the need for further explanation.   

However, those consulted were also quick to highlight that care must be taken to ensure a universal definition doesn’t inadvertently oversimplify what is, for many, a deeply personal and multifaceted situation. They emphasised that every person with care experience has a unique story, and it is vital that this be acknowledged within any universal definition. 

As one young adult pointed out, “How can someone staying at home be the same as someone stripped away from their family, like I was?” This powerful statement underscores the reality that each experience is distinct, and any definition must respect and reflect this individuality.  

While the desire for a more straightforward framework is clear, it is equally important to ensure that a universal definition does not oversimplify or deny access to support and services through a binary categorisation, for example, ‘looked after’ and ‘non-looked after’. While the need for a universal definition was widely supported, there was also strong consensus on the importance of inclusivity within any such definition. 

Key Insights: Definitions must be inclusive  

There was consensus that any definition of ‘care experience’ should encompass all forms of care outlined in the public consultation. In particular, staff from intandem partner charities working directly with young people and families, strongly advocated for the inclusion of young people in kinship care (looked after children and those classified as non-looked after children who live with a kinship carer) in the definition of ‘care experience.’ 

They emphasised the importance of recognising these young people and the unique challenges they face to ensure they can access support when needed.  

One staff member shared their thoughts about non-looked after children in kinship care, “These young people are the hidden looked-after children. As a system, we’re not recognising them, but they are a significant part of what we do as a charity because they require substantial support.” 

The confusion around the language defining a person’s experience of care means that some children who were previously ‘looked after’ but who are now, for example, cared for under a Kinship Care Order may miss out on support and entitlements when they need it most. 

The recently published Report Three by the Oversight Board for the promise calls for Scotland to address the imbalance of support and resource, including the difference between support for those experiencing foster care, formal and informal kinship care, and care at home. This call to action is both timely and crucial, reflecting the reality of what intandem are witnessing on the ground, and we hope it prompts meaningful change. 

Conclusion 

The opportunity to establish a universal definition of ‘care experience’ presents a crucial moment to address longstanding imbalances in the support available to those experiencing the ‘care system’. A clear and inclusive definition could not only streamline access to services but also ensure that individuals’ unique and varied experiences are respected and acknowledged. The insights gathered through intandem’s work highlight the need for a definition that is both broad enough to encompass all forms of care, including kinship care, while also being sensitive to the diverse nature of different experiences. 

As the call for more equitable support intensifies, particularly with the publication of Report Three by the Oversight Board for the promise, it is clear that the current system requires urgent attention. A universal definition, if crafted thoughtfully, can play a key role in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their experience of care, receive the support they need.  

Read the full response here.