Vulnerable children deliberately self-harming to stay in care, research finds
Summary
Research shows many vulnerable children in care are hurting themselves on purpose to avoid being left without support when they turn 18. Experts warn the care system is failing these young people, who sometimes harm themselves to stay in expensive private care facilities.Key Facts
- Some children in care self-harm to avoid losing support when they turn 18 or recover.
- A government review found a big drop in care support for people aged 18 to 24.
- The number of children in unregulated care settings in England has increased nearly fivefold.
- Many children in care have faced neglect or abuse and use self-harm as a way to feel safe.
- Private care companies charge local councils over £20,000 per week for high-risk children.
- Young people learn more severe ways to self-harm while in inpatient psychiatric units.
- A parliamentary report says children’s social care housing is often expensive, inadequate, and far from support.
- The report calls for better funding, tougher inspections, and ending the use of unregulated care spaces.
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