The perilous ‘care cliff’ facing vulnerable young people as they turn 18
The number of young care leavers dying has risen by around a quarter. In 2025, 112 care leavers aged 18 to 24 died. And the government’s own review warns that the true number may be higher because councils simply lose contact with some young people after they leave care.
Sky News has been speaking to the family of Joash McCullough, a care leaver who died shortly after his 18th birthday. His family have questions about the support available to him as he entered adulthood and whether more could have been done to prevent his death.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
Read more: https://news.sky.com/story/young-people-leaving-care-are-dying-at-a-troubling-rate-and-one-age-stands-out-13576817
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