Thriving, Not Just Surviving

Leaving care should be the start of independence, but for many young people, it means stepping into financial uncertainty with no safety net. Unlike their peers, young people moving on from care often have no family support, making it harder to afford basic essentials, stay in education or build a stable future. 

“This pilot isn’t just a project - it’s a promise that Care Leavers matter, that we deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. And as someone who’s been through it, I know it has the power to transform lives.”

Research shows Care Leavers are: 

• 1.5 times more likely to face financial hardship than their peers.
• Earning 25% less on average than other young people.
• More likely to experience unstable housing, food insecurity and poor mental health due to financial stress. 

A Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) for Care Leavers would ensure no young person leaving care falls below a basic income level. This would provide financial security, reduce barriers to work and education, and support long-term stability. 

The MIG for Care Leavers pilot blueprint, developed in partnership with Staf, Aberlour Children’s Charity and Care Experienced Consultants, aims to tackle the financial insecurity faced by too many young people leaving care. 

A MIG for Care Leavers in Modern Apprenticeships 

The Scottish Government is committed to exploring a MIG and established an independent working group to consider how it could work. We believe a pilot scheme targeting care leavers in Modern Apprentices is a practical first step. 

Modern Apprenticeships offer a valuable route into skilled employment, but low wages and extra costs (eg travel, equipment, housing) often force care experienced apprentices to drop out before completing their training.

A MIG pilot would: 

✔ Top up apprenticeship wages to ensure financial stability. 

✔ Support essential costs like rent, travel and work materials. 

✔ Prevent dropouts by removing financial barriers to completion. 

✔ Improve long-term career opportunities for Care Leavers.

The time to act is now 

We call on the Scottish Government to act on its commitment to a MIG by piloting a targeted scheme for Care Leavers. This is an opportunity to Keep The Promise and ensure no young person moving on from care is left behind.

“A MIG means we wouldn’t have to choose between rent and food. It means we could actually focus on building our future, instead of just surviving.”

Read our call to action

Read our full report 

Read more about our event in the Scottish Parliament