Young adults who leave care are four times more likely to die between the ages of 18 and 24 than the general population, according to a new report.
Those exiting care are left “with no safety net and with catastrophic consequences”, the government-commissioned report concluded, and often lose "significant levers of support" as they exit the system at 18.
There were 112 deaths notified of care leavers aged 18 to 24 in 2025, which the review said equated to an estimated death rate of approximately 130 deaths per 100,000 care leavers.
This rate is “about three to four times higher than the death rate in the general population”, it said.
Of the 112 deaths, 22 happened at the age of 18, which the report said was “strongly suggestive of the stark challenges and pressures” faced by these young people when they leave care.
You can read more about this story on our website, where you’ll also find where to get help if you’ve been affected by the issues discussed in Sarah’s report. Head to itv.com/news
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