title: Promoting the health of looked after children in Scotland.
abstract: Looked after children and young people represent one of the most vulnerable groups within our society and experience significant health inequalities compared with their counterparts who are not looked after by the local authorities. Tackling these health disparities and improving their health is a multiagency responsibility involving local authorities, health professionals, education and many other agencies. By recognising the potential benefits of collaborative working and incorporating it into everyday practice, it is anticipated that professionals will acknowledge that sharing their skills and expertise is pivotal to the maintenance of an equitable and holistic service for looked after children. This paper aims to raise awareness of the complex needs of these children and examines factors contributing to their poor health outcomes. It will also explore the emerging role of specialist nurses in Scotland in leading and facilitating a service to identify and address the health needs of this vulnerable population.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012606:Scotland; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration; D035862:Vulnerable Populations