Publication of 'Former care leavers in Northern Ireland (2007/08)'

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety today published a statistical bulletin summarising information on young people formerly in the care of Health and Social Care(HSC)Trusts, who reached their 19th birthday during the year ending 31March 2008.

The OC3 survey was carried out by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to determine whether these young people are still in touch with social services around their 19th birthday, and whether their economic activity and living circumstances are such that they are able to participate fully in society.

The statistical bulletin provides information on the economic activity, accommodation, contact with social services, age, gender, and other characteristics of the 162 young people who had been in the care of Heath and Social Care Trusts at April 2005, and who reached their 19th birthday during the year ending 31 March 2008.

The main findings from the 2007/08 survey indicate that HSC Trusts were in contact with 153 (94%) of the 162 former care leavers in Northern Ireland. Of these 162 former care leavers, 43% were in education, training and employment.

Key Facts and Figures

• 162 former care leavers who had been looked after on 1 April 2005 had reached their 19th birthday during 2007/08; of these, 73 were boys and 89 were girls.
• Almost a fifth (18%) of these former care leavers were coping with disability; of whom just under half (55%) had a learning disability.
• The proportion of female former care leavers who had become mothers (39%).
• The average length of time spent in the latest period of care was slightly longer for young men (six years 11 months) than young women (six years seven months).
• Trusts were in contact with 153 (94%) of the 162 former care leavers in Northern Ireland, five percentage points higher than in 2005/06 (89%).
• Between 2005/06 and 2007/08, the proportion of former care leavers in education, training or employment decreased by 10 percentage points, from 53% in 2005/06 to 43% in 2007/08.
• Of those with whom Trusts had contact and for whom economic activity was known, 46% were in education, training or employment, 14 percentage points less than 2005/06 (60%).
• Young men and young women differed in the types of accommodation in which they were most likely to be living; a higher proportion (32%) of young women were in supported accommodation compared with 20% of young men. In contrast, 28% of young men were living with parents, relatives or friends, compared with 20% of young women.

Notes to Editors:

1. This publication is available online

2. About the data:

• The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental OC3 statistical return, collected from HSC Trusts on an annual basis.
• Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 20 May 2009.

3. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.

Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch

Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Room 11, Annexe 2,

Castle Buildings,

Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP

Tel: (028) 90 522493

Fax: (028) 90 523288

E-mail:

Internet:

4. Media queries to DHSSPS 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.