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Written question asked by Gregory Stafford (Conservative) on Friday, 4 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 11 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Care Leavers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care at the point of their 18th birthday in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Answer

The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27362
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Care leavers
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk