By Richard Baynes Scotland Live

James Robertson (centre) and Chaz O'Donnell (right) with Sam Ward

Children and Early Years Minister Adam Ingram told BBC Radio's Scotland Live programme that he wanted to create benchmarks for councils.

Young people who have been through the system told the programme that there was a "postcode lottery" in Scotland.

They said the level of help they received when leaving care depended on where they lived - and called for people in that position to receive more assistance.

Some complained that they had ended up homeless or living in hostels with alcoholics and drug addicts.

The first place I ended up was a homeless unit in Glasgow and that wasn't very nice James Robertson

They were interviewed for Scotland Live in a special report on support for young people who leave care.

James Robertson, who is now 26, left care at 16. He moved in with his father, who then asked him to move on.

He had social work support, but said: "The first place I ended up was a homeless unit in Glasgow and that wasn't very nice.

"After a wee while, a year or so, I got my first house and of course I thought my first house was the best thing in the world.

"It was party time for my friends... I had a six months lease and I was only there for two weeks before I ended up back in the homeless unit again."

Chaz O'Donnell, from Edinburgh, said: "I got my own flat when I left a care home but then they didn't really prepare you really, how to budget or how to cook. There wasn't a lot of support there."

Chances and opportunities

She added: "I just felt isolated and I was on my own."

Mr Ingram said: "I want officials and elected members in local government to assume responsibility for the youngsters in care much as they would give consideration to their own children

"What we are hoping to do is come to an agreement which would set down benchmarks and give local authorities a clear steer on what we expect them to do with young people in their care."

Life choices after 16 are some of the most crucial that any person will make Councillor Isabel Hutton Cosla spokeswoman

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' spokeswoman for children and young people, Councillor Isabel Hutton, said: "Local authorities need to give every looked-after young person the same chances and opportunities that other young adults take for granted."

She said a report last year had spelled out the steps they needed to take, and the most important thing was for all local authority services to work together.

She added: "Councils' legal duties only extend to young people under the age of 16, but this does not mean that older young people do not need the care and support of the local authority.

"Life choices after 16 are some of the most crucial that any person will make."