Government launches review into deaths of young people leaving care system

The UK government has announced a major review into the deaths of vulnerable young people leaving care, amid concerns about the high number dying in early adulthood.

Co-led by broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste (pictured) and experienced social worker Clare Chamberlain, the review will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of care leavers and identify what more could have been done to support them.

The move follows data published in May 2025 showing 91 notifications of care leaver deaths in 2024–25, most involving young people aged 16 to 21.

The review will explore young people’s lived experiences, including the relationships and support networks around them, as well as gaps in service provision.

It will draw on input not only from professionals but also from families and friends, aiming to build a fuller picture of what mattered most in the lives of those who died and where interventions may have failed.

Clare Chamberlain, social worker and co-lead of the review, said: “In undertaking this work we hope to hear not just from professionals, but from family and friends who were close to the young person, so that we can get a good understanding of what mattered most in their lives and what could have been different.”

Announcing the review, Josh MacAlister, Minister for Children and Families, described the scale of the issue as unacceptable.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The findings are expected later this year and will feed into wider government reforms aimed at improving outcomes for care-experienced young people.

Ashley John-Baptiste, care-experienced author and broadcaster and co-lead of the review, emphasised the importance of learning from those directly affected.

“As someone who grew up in care, it troubles me deeply that so many care experienced people have died so early,” he said.

“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.”

The review forms part of broader government action to strengthen support for care leavers, including measures set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The Bill proposes new duties on local authorities to provide “Staying Close” support up to the age of 25, helping young people secure housing, employment and access essential services such as health care, education and training.

It also introduces expanded “corporate parenting” responsibilities across public sector bodies, requiring them to consider the needs of care leavers in policy design and service delivery.

The Department for Education has already taken steps to improve oversight of care leaver deaths. Since December 2023, local authorities have been required to report such deaths through the Serious Incident Notification system, with further work underway to improve data quality and consistency.

Alongside this, a three-year pilot programme launched in December 2025 is bringing together social workers and NHS professionals to deliver earlier, more coordinated mental health support for children in care and their families.