Government to examine deaths of care leavers following 91 notifications in 2024–25

Data published in May 2025 showed 91 notifications of care leaver deaths in 2024–25, with the majority aged between 16 and 21.

Since December 2023, local authorities have been expected to report the deaths of care leavers through the Serious Incident Notification system.

The Department for Education described the number of deaths as “unacceptably high” and “a serious problem which impacts wider society”.

The review into some of the cases will be led by experienced social worker Clare Chamberlain and care-experienced author and broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste.

It will focus on young people’s experiences, who and what mattered to them, and identify what more could have been done to support them, said the DfE.

The review forms part of wider action to strengthen support for care leavers, including through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The Bill will introduce new duties on local authorities to provide “Staying Close” support up to age 25, helping care leavers find places to live, get jobs and access vital services including for health, education, training and relationships advice. 

The Bill will also introduce new corporate parenting responsibilities for public sector bodies to ensure they support care leavers and take their needs into account when designing policies and delivering services.

The independent experts will begin their work immediately, with findings and recommendations to be shared later this year.

The Government said: “Lessons will be embedded into the government’s forthcoming Enduring Relationships Programme, which will put the need to support enduring relationships for children in care at the heart of government policy.”

Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said: “Far too many young people who have been in care face massive challenges in adult life. The fact that many have died far too early is truly shocking and must change.

“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.”

Ashley John-Baptiste said: “As someone who grew up in care, it troubles me deeply that so many care experienced people have died so early.

“I can’t overstate how important this work is. I hope our efforts will provide the critical insights and learning needed - so that we can do better for our precious care experienced young people.”

Responding to the launch of the review, 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.”

Lottie Winson