The LGA has called for greater council funding to support care leavers following research which reveals that young people experience a ‘sharp decline’ in wellbeing after leaving care.

According to the Coram ‘From Surviving to Thriving’ report, wellbeing rates for care leavers were ‘significantly lower’ in 2021-24 (32% with low well-being) compared to 2017-20 (29%), with figures revealing a sharp decrease in wellbeing for young people after having left care.

Wellbeing rates were lower among girls and young women in and leaving care compared to boys and young men, the research found.

The report unveils research from the Coram Voice Bright Spots surveys, including 27,000 responses from children cared for and young care leavers across more than 70 councils from 2015 to 2024.

Although 39% of children in care aged between 11 and 18 had reported that their wellbeing was very high, with a further 84% aged 8 to 18 saying that their lives are improving, the research found that wellbeing scores reduce with age.

The data also found that ‘feeling safe where you live’ declined with age, with a third of care leavers revealing they do not feel safe in their homes all the time.

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: ‘Making sure care leavers get the support they need to transition to independence is vital and councils work hard to prepare young people before they leave care. But they are working under significant financial pressures.

‘The Government should ensure all councils receive sufficient funding to invest long-term into family help, child protection, and child in care and care leaver services.

‘It should also develop a cross-government strategy for children, young people and families to ensure all partners are working towards a shared ambition.’

Carol Homden, CEO of Coram, said: ‘It is a tribute to all who provide care that a significant majority of children in care responding to Coram Voice’s Bright Spots surveys over ten years say that life is getting better.

‘But it is clear that far too many, and particularly young women and those who have multiple moves, struggle more as they get older with a high number of care leavers experiencing low wellbeing.

‘This is getting worse and there is an urgent need to make the transition from care more gradual, with greater emphasis on preparation, planning and supportive relationships so that all young people in and leaving care can thrive not just survive.’