A government-commissioned independent review has found that young people leaving care can face acute loneliness and isolation, with support often dropping sharply as they transition into adulthood.

In 2025, 112 deaths of care leavers aged 18–24 were reported to the Department for Education – an estimated death rate of 130 per 100,000, around three to four times that of other young people the same age.

The review examined all care leaver death notifications from 2025 and explored the experiences of six young people in greater depth. It identified three key areas for improvement: preparing young people for adulthood, preventing the drop in support after leaving care, and strengthening the workforce supporting care leavers.

The report highlights the importance of stable relationships and appropriate accommodation, finding that independence can leave some young people without trusted adults or support networks to turn to when they experience difficulties.

In response, the Government has announced £25 million to expand supported housing models for care leavers across England, alongside wider changes intended to strengthen support for young people moving into independent living.