Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968

26 After-care of children formerly in care of local authorities or voluntary organisations

(1) Where it comes to the knowledge of a local authority that there is in their area any child over school age who at the time when he ceased to be of that age or at any subsequent time was, but is no longer.—

(a) in the care of a local authority, or

(b) in the care of a voluntary organisation,

then, unless the authority are satisfied that the welfare of the child does not require it, they shall be under a duty so long as he has not attained the age of eighteen to advise, guide or assist him:

Provided that where in a case falling within paragraph (b) of this subsection the local authority are satisfied that the voluntary organisation have the necessary facilities, the local authority may make arrangements whereby, while the arrangements continue in force, he shall be advised, guided or assisted by the voluntary organisation instead of by the local authority.

(2) Where a child over school age—

(a) ceases to be in the care of a local authority under section 15 of this Act and proposes to reside in the area of another local authority, or

(b) ceases to be in the care of a voluntary organisation,

the authority or organisation shall inform the local authority for the area in which the child proposes to reside.

(3) Where it comes to the knowledge of a local authority or a voluntary organisation that a child whom they have been advising, guiding or assisting in pursuance of this section proposes to transfer or has transferred his residence to the area of another local authority, the first-mentioned local authority or, as the case may be, the voluntary organisation shall inform the other local authority.