In response to the government-commissioned review into the early deaths of young people who left care, Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s Chief Executive, said:
“This devastating report must be a wake-up call. For too long, many young people leaving care have faced a cliff edge in support – navigating the trials of early adulthood without adequate support.
“Crucially, this report shows just how vital it is that all care-experienced young people have supportive relationships with trusted adults, and networks they can confidently turn to for help, as they take those first steps into adulthood.
“We welcome the government’s focus on improving support for care leavers and urge them to go even further, with a national offer of support for all. This must include free bus travel, access to rent guarantors and befriending schemes, no matter where a young person lives.”