More than 100 young care leavers in England died in past year, data shows
In the past year, over 100 young care leavers in England have died, prompting an urgent review by Labour. The majority of these individuals were aged 16 to 21, and many deaths were not due to natural causes. Experts highlight the need for improved support systems for these vulnerable young people.
- ▪106 deaths of care leavers were reported in the year to April 2026, up from 91 the previous year.
- ▪The deaths included young women, transgender individuals, and unaccompanied asylum seekers.
- ▪Two-thirds of children in the care system have experienced abuse or neglect.
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In 2025 the number of children looked after by local authorities in England was 81,770. Photograph: Ievgen Chabanov/AlamyView image in fullscreenIn 2025 the number of children looked after by local authorities in England was 81,770. Photograph: Ievgen Chabanov/AlamySocial careMore than 100 young care leavers in England died in past year, data showsLabour has launched an urgent review into the deaths, which one expert described as ‘unspeakably tragic’Diane TaylorThu 21 May 2026 09.07 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 09.18 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMore than 100 young people have died after leaving the care of social services in England in the past year, according to data released by the government.In the year to April 2026 there were 106 reported deaths of care leavers, with…
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