We must do more to save care leavers’ lives | Letters

A recent report on the “care cliff” – the abrupt loss of support for young people when they turn 18 – has sparked a wave of reader responses highlighting the tragic outcomes that can follow. The letters reference a landmark review that documented how the system’s failure to provide continued care leads to preventable deaths among former care leavers, and they call for immediate action to address this systemic gap. Contributors such as Dr. Bob Broad and Alan Walker stress that the problem is not merely bureaucratic but a moral failing of a society that claims to be civilized while allowing vulnerable youths to fall through the cracks.

The letters point to longstanding research that underlines the depth of the issue. Dr. Broad notes that the responsible local authority must secure adequate funding, staffing, and planning to assess and implement appropriate care options before a child reaches adulthood. He argues that support need not be limited to traditional foster care; kinship care, where an extended family member assumes responsibility after a thorough assessment, can provide a more flexible and culturally resonant solution. Alan Walker cites the pioneering “In and Out of Care” study led by the late Eric Sainsbury in the 1980s, which identified the same vulnerabilities still evident today and recommended greater participation by young people and parents, continuity of adult relationships, and better preparation for leaving care. Both letters stress that care should be conceived as an ongoing network of relationships rather than a temporary administrative placement.

The responses also emphasize the broader implications of inaction. Without sustained investment and skilled carers, the “care cliff” will continue to produce a shocking death toll that undermines the nation’s claim to civility. The letters call for a coordinated effort among local authorities, policymakers, and community members to redesign the transition framework, ensuring that care leavers receive the stability and support necessary to navigate adulthood safely. By highlighting historical research and contemporary evidence, the contributors urge a shift from short‑term fixes to a long‑term, relationship‑focused approach that can ultimately save lives and restore societal responsibility toward its most vulnerable members.

⚡ Effects Interpreter