By Josh MacAlister

Turning 18 should be a milestone. But for too many young people leaving care, it is the moment support simply drops away.

Throughout my career, I have seen just how deep the disadvantage is that faces young people growing up in the care of the state. I saw this first as a school teacher working with children who were doing well in the classroom but who faced huge obstacles beyond the school gate. As chair of the independent review of children’s social care, I was confronted with stories and statistics that left a permanent mark.

Young adults who were languishing on a waiting list for mental health support despite having experienced repeated and serious neglect. Statistics that showed that care leavers are more likely to struggle to register with a GP, to miss appointments, and to lose access to support as they move into adulthood.

That they face higher risks of unemployment and homelessness, and poorer physical and mental health outcomes than their peers. These are not failures of aspiration or resilience. They are the predictable result of systems that are failing too many.

And here’s the most shocking: those who’ve grown up in care are 70% more likely to die prematurely. Let that sink in.

When I was elected as an MP last year I........

© LBC