Support for young people leaving care
Highland Council provides a statutory Throughcare and Aftercare (TCAC) service to support young people as they prepare to leave care and transition into independent adulthood. This service is delivered in accordance with the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
Who can access the service
Young people are eligible if they were looked after by Highland Council on or after their 16th birthday. Support may continue until the age of 26, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
Find out more about your rights as a young person with experience of care
What support is available
Throughcare begins while a young person is still in care, focusing on preparation for independence. Aftercare continues post-care, offering practical and emotional support in areas such as:
- housing and accommodation
- education, training and employment
- health and wellbeing
- financial assistance
- life skills (such as budgeting and cooking)
- advocacy and legal rights
- maintaining relationships with family and friends
Support is tailored to individual needs. Some young people may require more intensive help, provided through the Springboard Throughcare and Aftercare Service, in partnership with Barnardo’s. This includes access to specialist services such as mental health or substance misuse support.
Youth can self-refer or be referred by a social worker, teacher, or other professional.
Pathway Planning
All eligible young people are entitled to a Pathway Assessment to identify their needs and aspirations. This leads to a Pathway Plan outlining the support required at each stage of their journey to independence. Plans are reviewed regularly and may include:
- securing and maintaining accommodation
- accessing education or employment
- developing independent living skills
- emotional and mental health support
- advocacy services
A Pathway Coordinator, often someone the young person knows and trusts, oversees the plan and ensures it remains relevant.
Even if a young person chooses not to engage immediately, they remain eligible for support and can return at any time. The service operates an open-door policy.
For more information, contact Barnardo’s.
Education, Training and Employment
The service works closely with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and other partners to support access to training, apprenticeships, employment, and further education.
Financial Support
Young people aged 16–18 may receive financial support, as they are not eligible for state benefits under the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000. Support may continue for those in higher education. Over-18s are supported to access appropriate benefits.
Additional financial help may include:
- essential items for setting up a home
- crisis support
- help with accommodation costs for education
- travel costs for work, training, or study
Supported Accommodation
Supported accommodation is available in Inverness and other areas to help young people transition from care to independent living, with ongoing support throughout.