Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, 'looked after children' are defined as those in the care of their local authority – sometimes referred to as a 'corporate parent'.
The term “care experienced” refers to anyone who has been, or is currently in care. This care may have been provided in many different settings, such as:
- Kinship care – living with a relative who is not your mum or dad.
- Looked after at home – with the help of social work.
- Residential care – living in a residential unit or school.
- Foster care – living with foster carers.
- Secure care – living in a secure unit.
- Adoption
Children and young people go into care through no fault of their own. The impact of care experience is lifelong.
sportscotland is a corporate parent. This means we have a responsibility to improve the lives and futures of looked after children and care-experienced young people.
Context
There are approximately 12,600 ‘looked after children’ in Scotland; this is defined as those in the care of their local authority. 34% live in kinship care, 33% live in foster care, 21% live at home with parents, and 10% live in residential settings.
Source: Children's social work statistics: 2021-2022
Physical activity and sport
There isn't enough national data on care experience and sport and physical activity.
See the equality and sport research for more information on our characteristics and physical activity.
