The outcomes for children who grow up in care are shocking. A vital part of the welfare state, which exists to promote the safety and wellbeing of highly vulnerable young people, is falling short in health, education and employment terms. They have a 62% higher chance of dying before the age of 75 than their peers, and are four times as likely to have a criminal conviction or caution. While the number of children in the care system in England has fallen from its all-time high of 83,750 in 2023, the latest figure of 81,770 in March last year is still 17.7% higher than a decade ago.
A recently announced raft of reforms, including free prescriptions for care leavers, will not solve all of the problems. The dire financial position of many councils, and depleted state of local services, have a particularly damaging impact on the lives of those who rely most on the state. One survey last year found that the recruitment and retention of social workers was the biggest workforce challenge that English councils face. There is also a shortage of foster carers, with a consultation on expanding eligibility expected to open soon. Since children’s social care is devolved, none of the changes being discussed will affect Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where the most recent figures show that a further 23,230 children are looked after by the state.
