Young adults who leave the care system are at significantly higher risk of dying early, according to a new government-commissioned report. The report found that care leavers aged 18 to 24 are about four times more likely to die than their peers in the general population. This high death rate is linked to a lack of support and a sharp drop in services when young people turn 18. In 2025, 112 deaths were recorded among care leavers aged 18 to 24, with a death rate of approximately 130 per 100,000. More than a third of those who died took their own lives, a rate that is potentially five times higher than the general population.
The review was led by Ashley John-Baptiste, who grew up in care and co-authored a book on his experience, alongside Clare Chamberlain, an experienced social worker, according to itv.com. John-Baptiste shared his personal story of leaving care at 18, describing how he was placed in a council flat and had to sleep on the floor, according to a report from lbc.co.uk. He said that care leavers are left alone with no safety net and face serious consequences after turning 18. Chamberlain emphasized that the state cannot replace family support, a point that has long been raised by those who have lived through the care system.
The review highlighted how personal advisers assigned to care leavers often had little knowledge of the individuals they were meant to support, The Guardian reported. Many advisers only met with their assigned young people every two months, which was not enough to provide meaningful help.
The government has announced £25 million in funding for the Staying Close programme to support care leavers up to age 25. This initiative aims to help young people avoid being moved out of settled housing at 18 and instead stay in stable accommodation. New rules are also coming into effect from September 30 that require local authorities to publish how they support care leavers into independent living. Young people who leave care can no longer be found intentionally homeless by local councils from September 30.
Children’s minister Josh MacAlister said the core issue is that care leavers often feel isolated and lonely, which needs to be addressed. He added that both children’s and adult social services must focus on building lasting, loving relationships with young people. MacAlister also suggested the creation of a service covering ages 0 to 25 to better support vulnerable youth.
The report found that many care leavers are left without consistent support during their transition into adulthood. One example was a young man whose personal adviser was on leave and whose hub was closed for refurbishment when he died. His body was not found for two weeks after his death, highlighting the lack of oversight in care transitions.
Since December 2023, local councils are required to report the deaths of care leavers through a serious incident notification system. The government has said that these findings should serve as a call to action for all levels of society.
The report also emphasized the need for better housing and community support starting at age 18. Although £25 million has been allocated for housing projects, experts say it is not enough to meet the growing demand.
More than two care leavers are dying every week in England, according to analysis by ITV News. This statistic reflects the well-known issue of the ‘care cliff’ – a sudden and severe drop in support at age 18. Last year, more care leavers died at age 18 than at any other age during their transition from care. A third of care leavers become homeless within a couple of years after leaving care.
The review concluded that the lack of support and stability leads to tragic outcomes for many young people in care. It also pointed out that the system fails to provide adequate mental health and emotional support during this critical time.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander from Brighton and Hove City Council said Jamie’s death revealed gaps in communication between services. He expressed sympathy for Jamie’s family and acknowledged that changes are needed to improve how support agencies work together. Alexander added that the review found communication between children’s services and adult care was often unclear during the transition period.
The findings have sparked calls for more comprehensive reform to protect vulnerable young people in the care system.
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