Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 27 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendations in the Shelter Scotland report, In Their Own Words: Children’s Experiences in Temporary Accommodation, what steps are being taken to ensure that the reported 10,360 children in temporary accommodation have guaranteed access to primary care and dental services so that these children's needs are met while they continue to wait for a permanent home.
The service standards in the temporary accommodation standards framework states that local authorities should assess the needs of all members of the household. Assessments should be followed up with referrals and support to enable the household to engage with the relevant housing, health, education, social care service and independent advice services.
The temporary accommodation standards framework also states that local authorities should offer support to enable households to access information and appropriate services, including counselling, substance use, mental health, domestic abuse, medical, dental, optical and money/welfare advice services.