Embedded Files
Start Learning & Earning Badges in ELC's New Learning Library!
Welcome to the East Lothian EduHub for children and young people who are Care Experienced, parents/carers and professionals working with our Looked After children.
Here you will find information, advice and guidance on education supports, best practice and hear about the multi-agency work which goes on in support of East Lothian's Looked After Children.
'Care experienced' is an umbrella term, defined by the Scottish Government, that means any child or young person who is:
Looked after at home through a Compulsory Supervision Order (CSO);
Looked after away from home in a residential children’s house, in a foster placement or in a kinship placement (Looked After or Not Looked After)
Previously looked after, where at some point in their lives they have had any of the above experiences. The child / young person may never have been formally looked after.
These are the main terms for being looked after but there are more types of care experience, such as, Adoption.
The language we use to describe being in care is important; everyone needs to be respectful and inclusive in the words we use.
Useful Link to East Lothian Council Information & Services
GIRFEC in ELC
As part of East Lothian Council's commitment to Getting it Right for Every Child the following sites/services are available for access :
Education Pschology Service
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Young Carers Service
Families Together East Lothian
Child Planning Framework Locality Service
Education Outreach Service
Early Years Outreach Officer
Teachers of the Deaf
East Lothian Works
All information further information regarding the support services offered by the above and information regarding referrals can be found via the GIRFEC in East Lothian Site, click here to access
East Lothian Children's Service sites
All information regarding the support services offered by Children's Services can be found via in East Lothian Site, click here to access
There is also a further site named Fostering, adoption and looked after children, click here to access
There is also a further site named Fostering, adoption and looked after children, click here to access
Carefest 2025
Carefest 2025 flyer 2.pdfCarefest 2025 is coming to you!
The Education Outreach Service and East Lothian Young Carers are in the process of collaborating to offer Carefest 2025 to all schools in East Lothian.
There will be materials shared to use at in-service, CLPL sessions for staff, raising awareness lessons to use during class time, cluster based activities for children and young people on offer.
Please see the attached save the date and a further details flyer, more details will follow regarding materials/activity bookings and we hope as many colleagues/schools as possible will support this event for the benefit of the young people across the authority.
CAREFEST A5 POSTER - 05.04.25.pdfSelf Evaluation and Futher Guidance Documents for Schools
Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection
Centre for Excellence for Children's Care and Protection
03304_Looked_after_and_learning_Jan20.pdfEducation Scotland Rights and Inclusion Evaluation Tool
rights-reviews-promises-inclusion-evaluation-tool-2023.docxELC Record Keeping and Information Storage Guidance
FINAL_ Storage of Pupil Information Guidance_ May2023.pdfELC Care Experienced Definitions Document
Care Expereinced Children and Young people Definitions Document.pdfProfessional & Parent/Carer Trauma Informed Education
Foundations of trauma-informed, relationship-based practice – an introductory course for everyone
The above course was released on the 28th March 2025. It has been developed in collaboration with East Lothian's Children's Services and the East Lothian CHAMPS Board.
https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=12321
Outcomes from the course are as follows :
Describe different types of traumas and the potential impact on physical, emotional, behavioural and mental health.
Identify the five trauma-informed principles and discuss how these can be applied to support trauma-affected individuals.
Explain how personal, community, and professional relationships contribute to positive emotional well-being and outcomes for those impacted by trauma, and particularly the care-experienced population.
Apply positive relationship skills to enhance interpersonal connections and interactions.
Discuss the significance of valuing and respecting an individual’s lived experiences and perspectives in effective trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches.
Evaluate your own interactions and practices through a trauma-informed, relationship-based lens
The Care Excellence Programme
What you’ll learn
The latest understanding of Child Development and Attachment
A unique and assessable guide to trauma and behaviour
The importance of story and commentary to provide a framework for connecting and healing
Making sense of fragmented lives through knowledge of behaviour challenges and neuro diversity
The importance of self-care, vicarious trauma and reflective regulation
Course content
Day 1: Child Development and Attachment
Day 2: Monsters and Ghosts - Trauma and its impact on the brain, body and spirit
Day 3: Recovery through Hearing, Holding and Loving – CPR and TLSW
Day 4: Caring for children and young people with complex needs
Day 5: Self Care and the problem with NEWTS
Description
There is nothing more important in the looked after provisions for children and young people than their primary care givers. The Care Excellence Programme (CEP) uses the established Rose Model of Therapeutic Care as it’s heart; this course will be a 5 – day programme for all those who are providing care for a child or adolescent who has been impacted by early life trauma.
Once enrolled and accepted, delegates will be able to choose from the following cohorts…
19 – 23 May 2025
16 – 20 June 2025
14 – 18 July 2025
22 – 26 September 2025
13 – 17 October 2025
10 – 14 November 2025
Each training day will be from 10am – 2pm.
This programme will be fully funded by THEiA (TLSWi). Trauma, Health and Education International Academy
Requirements
Delegates must provide confirmation of status as a carer. This reference could come from the named Social Worker of your child, a Supporting Social Worker for your placement or any other professional who is aware of your status as a carer; e.g., Doctor. Please download the reference proforma and upload on your application. This must contain the original signature of your referee, failure to include this will result in the application being declined
The CEP training has been specifically designed for Carers only. It is not designed for professionals, e.g. Line Managers, Residential Placement Managers, Corporate Parenting Roles, Senior Roles, Social Workers or Therapists, as they do not meet the programme criterion
Personal computer, tablet or smartphone to view live tuition via Zoom
Delegates will be required to download a handbook and complete the reflective exercises during each day of training
Delegates must complete all 5 days of learning to receive a certificate of completion
Cancellation of place: As we are offering this course at no cost to those who are eligible to attend, as the fee is being funding by THEiA, we ask that you consider if you are able to commit to attend all 5 days of training. If you are unable to attend, we request that you provide us with a minimum of 72-hours’notice to enable us to offer your place to another delegate
LINK TO REGISTER:
Who Cares? Scotland
Who Cares? Scotland is Scotland's only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Our strategic vision is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland. At the heart of our work are the rights of Care Experienced people and the power their voices have to bring about change.
Who Cares? Scotland is Scotland's only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Our strategic vision is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland. At the heart of our work are the rights of Care Experienced people and the power their voices have to bring about change.
What they do
Membership - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub/
Advocacy - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-support/advocacy/
Participation - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-support/join-a-group/
Education & Influencing - https://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub/shaping-our-work/
The also have resource library with a wealth of information and materials. Click here to access
Who Cares Scotland Membership
https://www.whocaresscotland.org/members-hub
Reward - We want to make sure our members’ benefit from our offer. So once you’re signed up, keep your eyes peeled for treats we might send you. We’ll also let you know about any unique opportunities on offer, such as give aways and competitions. We also highlight employment opportunities. These opportunities may come from us or partner organisations. See the Members’ benefits section below for more detail.
Connect - The chance to connect with people who have similar or shared experiences helps everyone to feel understood, respected and like they belong. We support and resource safe and valued local, regional and national spaces, bringing members together to explore their identities and build peer relationships.
Shape - We support and empower members to develop as representatives who can speak on behalf of the membership community. Our members help shape and inform Who Cares? Scotland’s decision-making processes as well as having the aspiration to positively change Scottish culture to ensure a better future for all Care Experienced people.
Who Cares Scotland Partners with Tesco
We’ve partnered with Tesco Café in the big Tesco Extra in Musselburgh, to provide a FREE hot drink and portion of toast to any Care Experienced customer. Mum’s with toddlers can also get a FREE carton of juice or milk for their wee one.
Please feel free to print and display or share the attached poster, to raise awareness with any Care Experienced people you engage with.
We’ve secured this generous offer of support from the Café in TESCO Musselburgh, for all Care Experienced people in East Lothian.
Criteria:
The Care Experienced person must be (or become) a WCS member (no age limit). This is FREE to do, and it doesn’t matter if they’re not using our advocacy service.
Once they join, they’ll receive (or can ask for) the Offer Letter they need to display from their phone to the cashier in the Café, to qualify for the FREE hot drink + toast.
Any other food or drink they want, they’ll need to pay for themselves.
Here is the email to contact our Membership Team if there’s any issues or questions: membership@whocaresscotland.org
Two years ago, we launched our Lifelong Rights Campaign calling for lifelong rights for all Care Experienced people—regardless of age or when supervision orders are removed. A key part of this is the right to lifelong, independent advocacy. With the Promise Bill on the horizon, now is the time to push harder for this essential right. While others can turn to trade unions, lawyers, or family, many Care Experienced people have to navigate complex systems that can be confusing and hard to be heard within. It’s time to change that. It’s time for action on advocacy.
For more information please click here
Who Cares? Scotland Champions Board
Who Cares? Scotland Champions Board
East Lothian Champions Board S1-S4
East Lothian Champions Board S1-S4
Age group: S1-S4
Where? The Gatehouse, Musselburgh
When? 4.30pm – 6pm, every 2nd Wednesday
Come along to the East Lothian Champions Board S1-S4 group and meet other Care Experienced young people, share experiences and most importantly, have FUN!
Contact info:
For more information about this group, you can get in touch with Keith at: kward@whocaresscotland.org
East Lothian Champions Board 16+
East Lothian Champions Board 16+
Age group: 16+
Where? Queen Margaret University
Where? 2pm – 6.30pm, every 2nd Wednesday
East Lothian Champions Board acts as an interface between Care Experienced people and the Local Authority to raise issues and create change within the care system.
Contact info:
For more information about this group, you can get in touch with Keith at: kward@whocaresscotland.org
CHAMPS Newsletter
The CHAMPS also create a newsletter. The February/March 2025 version can be accessed here
Keeping The Promise
The Promise Scotland is an organisation set up to support change.
The Promise Scotland is an organisation set up to support change.
It has been working to:
Set out what needs to happen for Scotland to #KeepThePromise,
Support the Oversight Board to monitor progress.
East Lothian's work towards keeping The Promise is shared on the East Lothian Council Promise page
It’s a non-statutory company which Scottish Ministers established following the Independent Care Review, which was constituted in March 2021.
It does not have any formal legal powers, and does not provide services for children or families.
The Promise Scotland can’t make people and organisations #KeepThePromise. But it can – and does – provide support to keep Scotland on track.
The 2024 - 2030 plan can be accessed here
Who Cares? Scotland Education and Engagement Team have produced a Newsletter regarding progress with The Promise. It includes lots of resources and information that be used to engage schools and learners. It can be accessed here
Funding Supports for Care Experienced Young People
Young Scot has created a very useful summary of the benefits, support and places to go for help if you’ve been in care or are a care leaver in Scotland.
This can be accessed here
Sign up and further information can be accessed here
The package includes items and experiences which you can choose to claim or enter to win. New items and experiences will be added regularly to help you navigate transitions and other key moments throughout your life. Some examples include:
The chance to claim:
A wellbeing box which contains seasonal items
Shopping vouchers for groceries, clothing and homeware
The chance to win:
A Moving Out Kit (kitchen items, bedding, homeware)
Driving lessons
Laptops
Mobile phones and credit
Cooking courses
And more!
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) is Scotland’s student funding agency.
In this guide information is provided on who can apply for Care Experienced funding, the types of funding available, the evidence we need and how to get further help and advice. Access by clicking here.
Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland explains students who have been in local authority care in Scotland may be eligible for a care-experienced bursary. They might also be eligible for social security benefits, and need to know how the bursary interacts with these benefits.
Access more information by clicking here
The National Leadership Network
The NLN’s individual grants aim to support positive outcomes for individuals 14+ in the care experience community. The focus of these grants is to support leadership and learning relating to personal and professional development. This can support individuals in a way that suits them which could include people in schools, colleges, university, apprenticeships, training, etc.
This is an opportunity for people to apply for up to £500 to provide one off financial support to encourage positive outcomes which have a leadership focus. This could include anything which relates to learning, education and training such as one-to-one tuition, first aid, health & safety, coaching and equipment to support learning. It may relate to employment and could include certification costs, driving tuition and travel/subsistence costs.
Grants are allocated in round 3 times a year.
Contact gary@thenln.org for more information
Website : https://nationalleadershipnetwork.squarespace.com/
Care Experience Specific Careers Support & Opportunities
NHS Lothian is motivated by core drivers of corporate parenting duties and aspirations as an Anchors organisation to support care experienced young people to gain meaningful work experience and progression into employment.
Intended Outcomes/Aims/Purpose
We have made a commitment to:
Provide a supportive experience of work in healthcare, skill development and job readiness.
Develop opportunities for care experienced young people to take part in NHSL youth volunteering and work experience.
Increase employment opportunities for care experienced young people by developing an employability programme.
Email contact : loth.careersforall@nhs.scot
For more information of careers supports available please click here
For a full list of career opportunities please click here
NHS Lothian Care Experience Nursing Team
NHS Lothian Care Experience Nursing Team :
Email : Allison.Brogan@nhs.scot
Call : 0131 446 4124
Website : https://org.nhslothian.scot/equality-human-rights/corporate-parenting/
If a young person is currently in care (subject to a legal order, Section 25, CSO) then the Care Experienced Nursing Team is available to support with health needs. It doesn’t matter if a young person lives at home, with family (kinship care) or in foster or residential care.
We can offer a full health assessment covering both physical and emotional health. It’s a chance for children and young people to talk about anything to do with their health—big or small—and think about any changes they may want to make. Young people can consent for their own health assessment from age 12 and the assessment can be carried out at home, school or in a community clinic setting. There is nothing invasive carried out during the health assessments such as a physical examination, blood tests or vaccinations.
Together, we create a health plan that suits a young persons needs and will check in to make sure it’s working for them. Our goal is to help young people stay healthy and reach their full potential.
In line with CEL 16 government process we offer health assessments to all young people who have newly become care experienced within 4 weeks of being notified as standard.
We do encourage all referrals for health assessments to come via the allocated Social Worker as the lead professional. However, we do recognise there may be instances where young people may want to raise a referral via a trusted adult at school. In this instance please contact our team on 0131 446 4124.
Funded Opportunites for Care Experienced Young People
ANY ORGANISATION PROCURED BELOW BY SCHOOLS MUST BE SUBJECT TO ELC PROCUREMENT PROTOCOLS/CHECKS
If you are unsure please contact Chris Alan : callan3@eastlothian.gov.uk
Acces to Enjoy Leisure
Enjoy Leisure provide free or discounted access to a wide variety of groups along with those under the Care Experienced umbrella.
Please share the application form linked below as appropriate
Outward Bound
Geographic remit: All over Scotland
Age range: Progamme Dependent
Remit: Outdoor Opportunities for Young People. Specific Support given for Care Experienced Young people, Young Carers and pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds
Services: Our mission is to inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the outdoors.
We partner with schools, colleges, employers and youth groups to teach the most important lesson they could ever learn: to believe in themselves.
We never let financial need stand in the way of attendance. Over 80% of attendees receive funding to come on courses. Our goal is to empower all young people to succeed; for themselves, their communities and society.
Further details on courses and support can be found here
Website: https://www.outwardbound.org.uk/
Phone Number: +44 (0) 1931 740 000
Email Address: enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk
Happy Hosteller Funded Break from Hostelling Scotland
Geographic remit: All over Scotland
Age range: Whole family
Remit: Funded Residential breaks across Scotland
1 or 2 nights at a youth hostel with a ‘Wee Breakfast’ included
Option for packed lunch and dinner
Services:
We are excited to introduce our new programme of funded breaks, Happy Hosteller!
The challenges of the pandemic temporarily paused our community support but we are now delighted to launch our new residential programme supported by membership contributions and donations.
Over the past decade, we’ve been proud to fund more than 200 residential trips, offering +6,000 people the chance to explore Scotland and create unforgettable memories. With Happy Hosteller, we want to ensure that more young people and families get the chance to enjoy a break in Scotland and experience the joy of hostelling!
Referrals: Schools, Early Years Centres, Youth Groups and Registered charities in Scotland working with disadvantaged young people and families. Families cannot apply individually
Website: https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/happy-hosteller-funded-breaks/
Email Address: aquere@hostellingscotland.org.uk
School Visits advice for schools only
The School Visits team have agreed that this does not need to go through the Prebooking Approval process as there is no financial risk and nothing is being procured. Therefore you can go ahead and take this offer.
If you do an EVOLVE for this please answer yes to the question about a camping trip of under 4 days and please let Judith Wood know the visit number and she will add a note confirming Prebooking not required.
Karele
Age Range : 5+
Remit : Karele is a Scottish registered charity offering Equine Facilitated Learning and wellness. Through our equine-facilitated wellness and learning programmes, we provide transformative care to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals across the Lothians, addressing struggles with health, wellbeing, and isolation.
Our inclusive programmes offer a safe and nurturing environment where people can enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of spending time with horses and horse riding.
Services
● Saddle Club - Grooming, horse care, stable management, riding
● Rideaway hacks
● After schools clubs
● Breathing Spaces - Equine therapy for young people suffering social and emotional issues
● Positive Pathways - Helps young people disengaged from school develop new skills
● Mare Health and Wellbeing - For vulnerable women and girls over 16
● Neigh One Left Behind - Equine learning project to help people at risk of long-term unemployment.
Participants on some of these programmes can achieve a Youth Scotland Award which we can offer through our collaboration with Youth Scotland.
We are also accredited by the SQA and offer level 4-6 SQAs in Horse care to people who wish to continue to develop their equine skills.
Karele also offer volunteering opportunities to anyone over the age of 14 years.
Website: www.karele-equine.co.uk
Phone Number: 07510166841
Email Address: katieferguson@karele-equine.co.uk
Referral Form : click here to access and download a referral form
East Lothian Fostering
Children and young people who are being looked after by foster carers receive round-the-clock advice and support.
If you are looking for guidance please see our Foster carer handbook.
Our foster carers are highly trained, very experienced and can provide valuable emotional and practical support.
For more information about fostering, please go to the ELC fostering site
For more information about the Fostering and Adoption ELC team, please to our their ELC site
The ELC Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Team also have a Facebook page that can be accessed here - https://www.facebook.com/fosteringandadoptioneastlothian/
Adoption UK Supports
Adoption UK is a national charity that has worked with and on behalf of adoptive parents, prospective adopters and foster carers for over 40 years.
Adoption UK believes that peer support and the exchange of knowledge and experiences between adoptive parents is a crucial part of adoption support.
Get involved and find out more on the Adoption UK website
Please contact education.scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk with any education queries
A summary leaflet of support services can be accessed here
A small summary of useful links can be found here :
Primary to Secondary Transition Resource
Summary of Adoption UK Education and School Support for staff and parents/carers
Breaking the Barriers to School Attendance Jo’s Story Short Film
Adoption UK Checklist for Educators
BBC short film with real testimony about adoption and what i can be like navigating school and peer relationships
Education Scotland - Supporting Care Experienced Learners who are adopted resources
Below is a further summary of the support service available along with referral forms.
https://www.adoptionuk.org/community-groups-scotland
Parents of Older Teens and Young Adults:
Your coordinator is Christine
Meets once a month in Edinburgh
Email Christine for details
Young Families Community Network
For adoptive families with primary school age children in Edinburgh and the Lothians
We are a new volunteer led community group in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We plan to meet every month to support one another as parents and whole families.
Email Fiona for details
Education Service Scotland (Adoption UK, KCASS and FASD Hub)
A service for adopted or kinship families, or any family caring for a child with FASD (suspected or diagnosed), whose child is struggling to access education. Our Education advisers can help families navigate the education system, discuss additional support needs and what support can look like, and signpost families to further supports. We offer 1 to 1 education meetings, with a written summary of the discussion, and can attend a multiagency meeting if required. These meetings are available to families or professionals and are accessed through a referral process. To download a copy of the Education referral form please use the following link
We have an education website which host our help sheets and video resources: www.adoptionuk.org.uk/FASDHUB/Education
Education Twilight Talks
We also run education events for families monthly. These are called Education Twilight Talks. The events are open to carers and adoptive parents. There is no cost, and booking is via our community Eventbrite pages :
Adoption UK Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/adoption-uk-scotland-8357101056
Kinship Care Advice Service Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/kinship-care-advice-service-for-scotland-31547647443
We offer bespoke training packages for school staff that are relevant to all learners. Please click here for the Education Service Offer Leaflet
PATH (Psychological and Therapy Hub) Support from Adoption UK
The PATH team offer a range of therapeutic interventions to kinship care, permanent foster care or adoptive families. Rooted in therapeutic parenting and non-violent resistance the team of psychologists and therapists are experts in supporting young people and families who are recovering from trauma and adjusting to life as a foster, adoptive or kinship care family.
There is also a therapeutic Education Intervention offered by the PATH team This is open to adopted or kinship care families caring for a primary or secondary-aged child who is struggling in their education provision. Support may include a series of meetings with the school, support for families from a peer support partner or online therapeutic support for young people aged 13 years and above, for up to 15 sessions.
For more information visit the Adoption UK website or contact scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk or 0131 202 3670.
PATH referral form for Professionals
PATH self referral form for families
Community Supports
Adoption UK has their own community supports and events. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay updated with our events.
Adoption UK Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/adoption-uk-scotland-8357101056
E Project - https://www.adoptionuk.org/the-e-project
The E Project is our youth programme which supports young people across each of the services. There are online sessions and in person events which take place through the year.
Contact thepromise@adoptionuk.org.uk for more information. We were delighted to see the E projected recognised at the National Diversity Awards and also at the National Youth Work Awards 2024 (Youth Link Scotland).
FASD Hub Scotland
FASD Hub Scotland
FASD Hub Scotland provide a support service for parents/carers (adoptive and biological parents, foster carers, kinship carers and step parents) across Scotland who live with children, young people and young adults who have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), with or without an FASD diagnosis.
The FASD Hub offers an information service which families and professionals can access. The website (www.adoptionuk.org/fasd-hub) has a huge range of information, access to webinars and information about the 1 to 1 family support it offers.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the FASD Hub offer free training for schools, parents and carers. Bespoke training packages are also available.
Contact the FASD Hub on 0300 666 0006 / fasdhub.scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk
Education Twilight Talks & Community Supports
We also run education events for families monthly. These are called Education Twilight Talks. The events are open to carers and adoptive parents. There is no cost, and booking is via our community Eventbrite pages :
FASD Hub each has their own community supports and events. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay updated with our events.
FASD HUB Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fasd-hub-scotland-fasd-hub-uk-26423393005
Understanding FASD What Educators need to know - click here to access
Kinship Supports
Kinship Carer Supports in East Lothian
To access the ELC Kinship Carer site please click the following link
In East Lothian the following support services are available :
a rolling training programme for kinship carers
advice and information
a dedicated email for enquiries for both kinship carers and professionals - kinshipcare@eastlothian.gov.uk
support through a working partnership with Children 1st
sign-posting to the National Kinship Care Advice Service
support through a working partnership with Foundations for families
The ELC Fostering, Adoption and Kinship Team also have a Facebook page that can be accessed here - https://www.facebook.com/fosteringandadoptioneastlothian/
Geographic remit: All of East Lothian
Age range: 0 to 18 years
Remit: The kinship care Service provides a range of support designed to meet kinship families’ discrete and complex needs. These include befriending, advocacy, mediation, practical support, individual and group work, parenting support, financial inclusion advice, family group conferencing, and direct intensive therapeutic support working with loss, harm and trauma.
Website: https://www.children1st.org.uk/
Phone Number: 0131 446 2300
Email Address: cfs@children1st.org.uk
Leaflet for Kinship Carers can be accessed here
National Kinship Care Advice service for Scotland
Helpline: 0808 800 0006 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
Email: scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk
Website: kinship.scot
KCASS have a range of supports for kinship families which you can access.
The helpline offers advice about the support kinship care families are entitled to, including financial advice.
The website has life story resources and a ‘What Now?’ booklet that is a practical tool for new kinship care families.
Education Twilight Talks & Community Supports
We also run education events for families monthly. These are called Education Twilight Talks. The events are open to carers and adoptive parents. There is no cost, and booking is via our community Eventbrite pages.
KCASS has their own community supports and events. Follow us on Eventbrite to stay updated with our events.
Kinship Care Advice Service Scotland - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/kinship-care-advice-service-for-scotland-31547647443
Citizens Advice Scotland
The Citizens Advice Bureau have a page dedicated to support information regarding Looked After and Not Looked After Kinship Placements. It includes a wealth of information on a range of topics.
Please click the link here to access
Scottish Recommended Allowance
In August 2023, Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Recommended Allowance (SRA) for foster and kinship carers.
For more information please click on the following link
As a kinship carer of a child who is Not Looked After you might be able to claim:
Child Benefit - whatever your income
Child Tax Credit or the Child Element of Universal Credit - if you're on a low income. How much you receive will depend on your income
Child addition in Pension Credit – if you are over pension credit age and on a low income
Best Start Grant - a package of three payments to help parents and carers on low incomes with the costs of having a child in the family. More about the Best Start Grant
Scottish Child Payment - if you're on a low income and caring for a child under six. Read more about the Scottish Child Payment.
Points of Contact
Hannah McBride - DHT Equity & Inclusion, ELC Care Experience Strategic Lead - hmcbride@eastlothian.gov.uk
SEEMIS updates to Care Experience Status - mrobertson5@eastlothian.gov.uk
Emergency Children's Services contact https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210585/protecting_someone_from_harm/11896/child_protection
East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership contact details https://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210558/social_care_and_health/12311/contact_us_elhscp/3
All information regarding the support services offered by Children's Services can be found via in East Lothian Site, click here to access
There is also a further site named Fostering, adoption and looked after children, click here to access
There is also a further site named Fostering, adoption and looked after children, click here to access
Page updated
Report abuse