England care leavers face high mortality rates, report finds

care leavers child protection system mortality rates social work reform Staying Close programme

A government-commissioned report has revealed that young adults leaving the care system in England face a mortality rate approximately four times higher than the general population. The review, co-authored by broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste and social worker Clare Chamberlain, highlights a ‘care cliff’ where support mechanisms often vanish when individuals turn 18.

In 2025, 112 deaths were recorded among care leavers aged 18 to 24, representing a rate of roughly 130 deaths per 100,000. The report noted that 22 of these deaths occurred at age 18, the age at which many transition out of the system. Additionally, more than one-third of these deaths were suicides, a rate potentially five times higher than that of the general public.

The review criticized the quality of support provided by personal advisers, noting that many only meet with their assigned young people every two months. It also raised concerns regarding housing support, which is often provided by profit-driven entities rather than therapeutic or social work disciplines. In response, the government has announced £25 million in funding for the Staying Close programme to assist care leavers up to age 25 and is implementing new rules for local authorities regarding support transparency.

Entities

Ashley John-Baptiste · Clare Chamberlain · Department for Education · England

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] There were 112 notified deaths of care leavers aged 18 to 24 in 2025. periodicoatico.com.ar · www.digitalnewsreport.com · www.bbc.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] More than one-third of the deaths among care leavers were suicides. periodicoatico.com.ar · www.digitalnewsreport.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Care leavers aged 18 to 24 have a mortality rate approximately four times higher than the general population. periodicoatico.com.ar · www.digitalnewsreport.com · www.bbc.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] Personal advisers often meet with assigned young people only once every two months. www.digitalnewsreport.com · www.bbc.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Twenty-two of the recorded deaths occurred at age 18. periodicoatico.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] The government announced £25 million in funding for the Staying Close programme to support care leavers up to age 25. www.digitalnewsreport.com

Sources

La muerte prematura de jóvenes que abandonan el sistema de acogida es una "tragedia nacional". Periódico Ático [periodicoatico.com.ar]

16 days ago

Young Care Leavers Face Alarming Death Rates, Review Finds [www.digitalnewsreport.com]

17 days ago

Young care leavers dying early a 'national tragedy' [www.bbc.co.uk]

17 days ago