The Guardian view on care leavers: responsibility for looked-after children does not end at 18 | Editorial

The article discusses the difficult circumstances faced by young adults who have grown up in the care system. These individuals experience significantly worse outcomes in health, education, and employment compared to their peers. They face a higher risk of premature death and are more prone to criminal involvement. Despite a recent slight decrease, the number of children in care remains substantially elevated over the past decade. The state's welfare system, intended to protect vulnerable youth, is failing in crucial areas. Recent reforms, like free prescriptions, offer limited solutions to the systemic issues. The financial strain on local councils and the decline in essential services exacerbate the problems. Social worker recruitment and retention pose a major challenge for English councils, and there is also a shortage of foster carers. Proposed changes in England will not extend to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, which collectively care for thousands more children. The initiatives aim to support the well-being of vulnerable young people within the care system. The article highlights the discrepancy between the intention of welfare and its impact.