A response from the National Youth Advocacy Service to news that a new government review will examine deaths of young people leaving the care system
The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) very much welcomes the UK Government announcement today, that there will be a review into the deaths of young people leaving the care system, led by Ashley John-Baptiste and Clare Chamberlain.
This review taking place is a harsh and troubling reminder of the realities of the current care system. In a just society, growing up and leaving care would not carry such danger and tragedy, leading to the loss of a precious life, and a review of this nature would not be needed.
At NYAS we see far too many care-experienced young people facing life-threatening distress, loneliness and danger, and have been deeply saddened by several tragic losses of young people we have known and advocated for. We know from listening to care-experienced young people, they feel their right to life is under threat and no young person should be at risk of a premature death just because they are care-experienced. The deaths of care-experienced young people must not be another symptom of the failures of the care system.
NYAS works in both England and Wales and sadly we know this is happening across both countries. We hope that this review, or a similar one, can address the experiences and tragic losses of care-experienced young people in Wales too. We are committed to share our evidence and views with the new review.
NYAS operates a free and confidential helpline (opening hours and contact details can be found here: https://www.nyas.net/about-us/what-we-do/helpline/ ) for anyone in care or a care leaver who needs someone to listen, protect their rights, stand side by side with them and support them. At NYAS we will always be on the side of the child and young person.
