Care leavers face four-fold death risk, report calls crisis a national tragedy

A review ordered by the Department for Education revealed that young adults who exit the care system in England experience a death rate about four times higher than the broader population, with 112 deaths recorded in 2025. The analysis highlights a pronounced spike at age 18, when many lose critical support mechanisms, and notes that suicide represents more than one-third of these fatalities, possibly five times the national average.

Co-author Ashley John-Baptiste, who grew up in care, described the trend as a national tragedy, while co-author Clare Chamberlain emphasized the need for better preparation for adulthood. The study points to wide disparities in the quality of personal advisers and criticises housing supplied by profit-oriented arms lacking therapeutic oversight. The government plans to invest £25 million in connected housing options, and Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister called for enduring relationships to become the system’s “North Star.” Support resources such as one outlet Action Line and Samaritans are highlighted for those affected.