A recent review indicates that young adults leaving care face a death rate approximately four times higher than the general population. In 2025, there were 112 reported deaths among care leavers aged 18 to 24, with suicide being a leading cause. The report emphasizes the challenges these individuals encounter, particularly at age 18, when many transition to independence without adequate support.
The review calls for improved preparation for adulthood and better quality of support from personal advisers. It criticizes the current housing and welfare systems, urging reforms to ensure care leavers receive the necessary assistance to thrive in their new lives.