Young people leaving care are being failed by the system that is aimed at helping them make the transition to adulthood, MSPs have warned.
Politicians were debating a report, by a Holyrood committee, which has condemned the standard of accommodation given to 16-year-olds leaving care.
Labour MSP Elaine Murray said a different approach was needed, while Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said the report was a "wake-up call" for the Scottish Government.
The Equal Opportunities Committee report found that leaving care can be a "very abrupt" experience for young people and can result in them being left alone in "utterly unacceptable, substandard" accommodation.
It found that aspects of the care system are "increasing the likelihood" that youngsters will become homeless.
Ms Murray said: "Overall, we continue to fail these young people leaving care with regard to their future life chances.
"We must develop a more holistic and person-centred approach to supporting young people in care, and during the transition to adulthood."
Mr Johnstone said: "I believe this report should act as a wake-up call to the Scottish Government."
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said tackling youth homelessness was a priority, with young people making up a third of all homeless people.
Progress is being made and recommendations from the committee's report are being acted upon, she said.
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