More than 100 young care leavers in England died in past year, data shows
Summary
Over 100 young people in England who recently left social care died in the past year, with many deaths involving violence or suicide. New government rules require these deaths to be reported, but experts say more needs to be done to learn from each case and provide better support.Key Facts
- In the year ending April 2026, 106 deaths of care leavers were reported in England; 91 deaths were reported the year before.
- Most of the young people who died were aged 16 to 21.
- Some deaths involved violence, including stabbings and murders of young asylum seekers.
- Before 2023, local authorities were not required to report deaths of care leavers.
- An urgent government review has started to examine where support for care leavers may be failing.
- Many care leavers have experienced abuse or neglect before entering social care.
- A case study described a 19-year-old care leaver named Evie who died by overdose, highlighting gaps in support after turning 18.
- Experts call for mandatory reviews after every care leaver’s death to help prevent future deaths.
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