The Department for Education has appointed care-experienced broadcaster, Ashley John-Baptiste to lead a review into the deaths of vulnerable young people leaving the care system. The Care Leaver Deaths Review will report later this year, in a move aimed at strengthening support for care leavers and preventing further tragedies.

Figures show there were 91 notifications of care leaver deaths in 2024/25, a level described by the DfE as “unacceptably high”. Most of those who died were aged between 16 and 21 years old.

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.”

The findings will inform wider reforms, including measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. These include extending “Staying Close” support to young people up to 25 and introducing new responsibilities on public bodies to consider care leavers’ needs.