The Scottish Government has been urged to be more “forceful” in ensuring local authorities deliver the same standard of support services for vulnerable young people.
Inverness-based campaigner Matthew Friess claimed provision offered by councils varied across Scotland.
The 19-year-old, who was taken into care at aged 11, said Highland Council needed to pay mote attention to its obligation as a “corporate parent”.
Mr Friess, who currently lives in Planefield House run by the Highland Homeless Trust, claimed the provision of services in the region was dictated by finance.
He said so-called activity agreements to help people access further education or training were only provided to people up to the age of 18 in Highland but 20 elsewhere.
Mr Friess, a director of support charity Who Cares? Scotland, said Highland Council did not cover the costs of helping people apply for things like driving licenses and passports whereas some local authorities did.
“The government needs to have a more forceful approach to ensure local authorities fulfil their obligation to young people and they don’t misinterpret the legislation to suit their own needs,” he added.
“Highland Council needs to pay more attention to its responsibility as a corporate parent.
“They are not doing enough and one of the things that grates on me is the fact legislation comes from central government and local government interpret it as they see fit and implement the policy to suit their budgets.
“It should not be about money and there is not enough emphasis on early intervention and prevention.”
Mr Friess, whose mother was unable to look after him after she was injured in a hit-and-run accident in 2001, gave evidence to a Scottish Parliament committee, which is examining homelessness and young people, on Thursday.
He said the stigma attached to people in that situation was “appalling”
Mr Friess said: “You are a branded a drug addict, an alcoholic or you have mental health issues.
“In my experience, It is the minority of people who have these issues, the majority just want a helping hand.”
The Scottish Government has said it is continuing to invest in local authorities to support the needs of children and young people.
A spokesman said ministers have pledged to spend at least £280million in childcare over the next two years.
He added: “Local authorities play a key role in supporting young people towards employment and work closely with us on a range of programmes to help them access the labour market.”
No one at Highland Council was available for comment.