Publication of ‘NI Care Leavers 2016/17’
Date published:
The Department of Health today published a statistical bulletin summarising information on care leavers aged 16-18 in Northern Ireland and care leavers whose 19th birthday occurred during the year ending 31 March 2017.
Care Leavers Aged 16–18
- Some two thirds (67%) of care leavers aged 16-18 had GCSEs or other qualifications. The proportion of care leavers obtaining 5 GCSEs (A*-C) or higher was 26% which remains substantially lower than for school leavers as a whole (82%)
- Care leavers continue to have a higher proportion of young people coping with disability (12%) than the general population (6%). In terms of education, higher proportions of care leavers had a Statement of Educational Need (25%) compared with the general school population (5%)
- Of care leavers for whom information was available, almost three in five (58%) were in education or training, 12% were working and 30% were unemployed or economically inactive
Care Leavers Aged 19
- Some 95% of care leavers aged 19 were in contact with Health and Social Care Trusts; with 59% in contact at least once a month
- Of the care leavers for whom information was available, 61% were in education, training or employment, the same proportion as in 2015/16 and similar to that for 19 year old care leavers in England (60%)
- In terms of becoming a parent, 12% of all care leavers aged 19 were parents, with 14% of female care leavers aged 19 becoming mothers on or before their 19th birthday
Notes to editors:
1. All publications are available online.
2. About the data:
- The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental OC1 and OC3 statistical returns, collected from HSC Trusts on an annual basis
- Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 31st December 2017
3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DoH.
Further information is available from:
Community Information Branch
Department of Health
Room 11, Annexe 2
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SQ
Tel: (028) 90 522580
Fax: (028) 90 523288
E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk
4. Media queries to DoH Information Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt