Young Runaways Bryan Evans Assistant Regional Director Cross Party Group on Children and Young People 23 February 2006

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways - Research Aberlour, Childrens Society and Extern commission Still Running (1999) Largest UK study of running away and young people Aberlour publish Missing Out (2002)

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways-Research Missing Out showed: - 1 in 9 young people under 16 run away - 80% run because of family problems including abuse, neglect and parental problems - whilst running, 1 in 6 physically/sexually assaulted

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways – ROC Project ROC (Running-Other Choices) began Jan 2001 Funded by Childrens Promise, NHS Greater Glasgow (Mental Health), Scottish Executive Community-based Outreach Service Aim to prevent further running Project Manager, Bi-Lingual Worker, Mental Health Promotion Worker

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways – ROC Refuge Opened July 2004 – 3 bedded residential refuge Funded Scottish Executive, Youth Crime Prevention Fund till 2008 Evaluation –Stirling University – May 2006 Only Refuge in Scotland, (10 beds in UK) Demonstration Project

Aberlour Child Care Trust ROC Project - Outcomes Prevent further running Improve range of outcomes for young people – family conflict, confidence, self- esteem Minimise risks for young people whilst running Decrease admissions into local authority accommodation

Aberlour Child Care Trust ROC Refuge - Outcomes Over 60 young people accessed Refuge on over 100 occasions Approx 10% run from Childrens Units and 18% move to Childrens Units Many young people return to place they ran from supported by ROC Project and Social Work Services

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways- Guidance Scottish Executive Vulnerable Children and Young People, Young Runaways -Guidance on development of local protocols, CPCs key role - Address prevention, Immediate Safety and Support for Children and Young People

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways - Guidance An Assessment of how local agencies are meeting the needs of young people for refuge in their area and levels of demand should be conducted as a matter of priority by the Scottish Executive…Following this work additional guidance should be provided on the provision of refuge support for children and young people in Scotland. para 24

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways- Raising Profile National Conference, Dundee Hilton 19 May 2006 Scottish National Coalition on Young Runaways The need for a National consistent support framework for young people who run away and are at risk of running away across Scotland

Aberlour Child Care Trust Young Runaways - Funding National Issue Only Scottish Refuge has £150K /year deficit Cost of ROC Refuge £322K/year Cost of Leeds Refuge £715K/year A Missed Opportunity?