Developing a universal definition of care experience: consultation analysis

4. Conclusions

Individuals and organisations with detailed and varied knowledge and experiences participated in the consultation, sharing their views on the proposal to create a universal definition of ‘care experience’ and any possible impacts. This report provides a high-level summary of the consultation responses. For more detail, readers are encouraged to read individual responses, where permission was given for publication, via the Scottish Government’s consultation website.

Respondents were broadly supportive of creating a universal definition of ‘care experience’, with 80% of all respondents agreeing to some extent that this is needed. Respondents generally supported including all the experiences of care that were listed in the consultation paper, with the strongest support for those who have had experience in foster care and those who have been in residential care settings.

Advantages of a universal definition included that more people may receive the support they need due to clearer support pathways and eligibility criteria, improved consistency across agencies and service providers, and a reduction in stigma about care. However, the possible impact of a universal definition on resources, including budgets, service provision and staffing, was mentioned by many. Concerns about the implementation process, such as a lack of consultation with people with lived experience, a slow rollout impacting services, and unclear communication, were mentioned by several. Many respondents had concerns that an overly rigid definition or a one-size-fits-all approach may exclude some people or act as a barrier to service use. There was also a request for further clarity on any impact of a universal definition on existing statutory support provided to eligible people who are ‘care leavers’ or considered to be ‘looked after’.

While organisations, particularly corporate parents, acknowledged the usefulness of the terms ‘care leaver’ and ‘looked after’, many also felt that these terms were exclusionary to some who may still need assistance, inaccurate to lived realities, and confusing both for those with lived experience and practitioners who provided support.

Many felt the existing language of care could be confusing, complicated, and overly jargonistic. Others noted that existing terms were deficit-based and could exacerbate low self-esteem or create anxiety and a lack of willingness to disclose information. Along with any changes to definitions being made as a result of the consultation, respondents highlighted the need for public education to assist in shifting cultural views around care. The importance of avoiding oversimplification was mentioned throughout the consultation as respondents expressed the view that nuance and detail need to be considered when organising legal frameworks and legislative support.

Overall, widespread support exists for creating a universal definition of ‘care experience’. The consultation responses provide valuable and informative suggestions and recommendations for the Scottish Government to draw upon when considering the next steps in establishing a definition of care experience and how to keep The Promise.