Young care leavers dying early a 'national tragedy'
A new government-commissioned report highlights a 'national tragedy' regarding the high mortality rate of young care leavers in England. The study identifies the transition at age 18 as a critical period of vulnerability, often leading to isolation, homelessness, and increased risks of suicide and accidental death.
Why it matters
It exposes systemic failures in social support structures for young adults transitioning out of state care, prompting calls for urgent policy reform.
Image source, PA Media By Catherine Snowdon Published 9 minutes ago Young adults who have left care have a death rate around four times higher than the general population, a new review , external shows.
Often left alone "with no safety net," the report says the consequences can be catastrophic.
On turning 18, people leaving care in England often lose "significant levers of support", the Government-commissioned report concluded, as it warned the so-called "care cliff" must be addressed.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today , report co-author and broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste, who grew up in care, called the deaths a national tragedy.
There were 112 deaths of care leavers aged 18 to 24 notified in 2025, which the review said equalled about 130 deaths per 100,000 care leavers.
John-Baptiste recalled his own experience of turning 18 and moving out of the last of four foster homes he'd lived in.
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