Publication of “Northern Ireland Care Leavers 2023/24”
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 2024.
Key Facts and Figures:
There were 393 care leavers aged 16 to 18 in 2023/24
- Under two thirds (59%) of care leavers aged 16-18 had GCSEs or other qualifications. The proportion of care leavers who had 5 GCSEs (A*-C) or higher at the time of leaving care was 28%.
- Care leavers continue to have a higher proportion of young people with a Statement of Educational Need (18%) compared with the school leaver population (8%).
- Of the care leavers aged 16-18 in 2023/24, for whom information was available, 71% were in full time or part time education, training or employment. Some 21% were unemployed and 8% were economically inactive because of caring responsibilities or illness/disabilities.
There were 260 care leavers aged 19 in 2023/24
- Some 96% of care leavers aged 19 were in contact with Health and Social Care Trusts; with 71% in contact at least once a month.
- Three quarters (75%) received some form of ongoing support from social services, including support for higher education and accommodation.
- Of the care leavers for whom information was available, 69% were in education, training or employment – an increase from the previous year.
- In terms of becoming a parent, 7% of all care leavers aged 19 were parents, 11 young women and young men, for whom this information was available.
Notes to editors:
1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the DoH.
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.
3. The next release of Northern Ireland Care Leavers statistics is due for publication January 2026.
4. This publication is available online at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/care-leavers
5. Further information is available from:
Community Information Branch
Department of Health
Room 11, Annexe 2
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SP
Tel: (028) 90 522342
E-mail: cib@health-ni.gov.uk
Internet: Department of Health
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