A study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia and the University of Bristol (published this week by What Works for Children’s Social Care) surveyed 1,000 care leavers in England and conducted interviews with a smaller group of care leavers and professionals working with them.
The survey revealed that care leavers experience lower well-being and life satisfaction compared to the general population. For instance, 30% of care leavers reported feelings of loneliness or isolation, while only 10% of the general population reported the same. Additionally, 26% of care leavers reported feelings of anxiety or depression, compared to 13% of the general population.
The study also found that care leavers are more likely to face homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system. Among care leavers aged 19-21, 38% are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), while only 12% of the general population falls in that category. Furthermore, 15% of care leavers have been in prison, while the same is true for only 4% of the general population.
The study revealed that professionals assisting care leavers tend to focus more on practical aspects like securing housing rather than addressing emotional well-being, despite research indicating that emotional support is equally important. The study recommends:
- Train professionals working with care leavers to understand and provide emotional support.
- Offer more support to care leavers for the development and maintenance of a support network.
- Conduct further research on the emotional well-being of care leavers and the effectiveness of interventions to support them.
The study also emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support to care leavers, as it helps them cope with the challenges of leaving care and build a positive future. Additional information on the emotional well-being of care leavers includes the following statistics:
- 45% of care leavers have a mental health disorder, compared to 10% in the general population.
- Care leavers attempt suicide at a rate four times higher than the general population.
- One in three care leavers will experience homelessness at some point in their lives.
- One in four care leavers will be involved in the criminal justice system.
Factors contributing to these problems among care leavers include the lasting impact of trauma experienced in care, multiple changes and transitions at a young age, lack of support from family and friends, and limited financial resources.
To support the emotional well-being of care leavers, the following measures can be taken:
- Provide emotional support during the transition to adulthood.
- Assist care leavers in developing and maintaining a support network.
- Offer financial support to care leavers.
- Ensure access to mental health services for care leavers.
Miguel Valerio 