The Government has announced it will carry out a review into the deaths of vulnerable care leavers, aiming to improve protections for young people leaving the care system.
The review, expected to be published later this year, will be led by journalist Ashley John-Baptiste and independent reviewer Clare Chamberlain. Data published in May 2025 showed 91 notifications of care leaver deaths in 2024–25, with the majority aged between 16 and 21.
The review will examine patterns and contributing factors in the deaths of care-experienced young people, with a focus on identifying where support systems may have failed.
Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said: ‘This review will help us understand what is going wrong and, crucially, what more we can do to protect and support young people as they leave care. We owe it to every child in our care system to ensure they have the network of loving relationships they need to thrive.’
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: ‘While many people leave care and go on to live happy and fulfilling lives, it is tragic that any young person leaving care dies.
‘Councils do everything they can to support all care leavers, providing help with housing, finding a job and financial assistance as they move towards an independent life.
‘Councils are ready to play a part in the review to ensure that all care leavers get the support they need and councils have resources to support care leavers and vulnerable children.’
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