The OC1 survey of care leavers aged 16-18 was carried out by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to determine their educational attainment and economic activity after leaving care.
The statistical bulletin provides information on educational attainment, economic activity, sex, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, length of time in care, and placement prior to leaving care. It also shows comparisons, where possible, with care leavers aged 16-18 elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and with other young people in Northern Ireland.
The main findings from the 2008/09 survey indicate that 11% of care leavers left care with 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C) or higher, compared with 67% of general school leavers, and of those for whom information was available, two fifths were in education or training, 32% were unemployed, 12% were working, and 16% were economically inactive
Key Facts and Figures
- 225 young people aged 16-18 left care during the year ending 31 March 2009, of which 53% (119) were girls boys and 106 (47%) were boys;
- There were almost equal proportions of Catholic (46%) and Protestant (47%) care leavers during 2008/09;
- The majority of care leavers were of White ethnic background (97%);
- Just over 18% of care leavers in 2008/09 were disabled, compared with 6% of all young people of this age in Northern Ireland with a long-term limiting illness;
- Almost one quarter of those (24%) leaving care in 2008/09 had received a Statement of Special Educational Need, compared with 4% of the general school population;
- The proportion of care leavers in foster care increased from 37% in 2007/08 to 43% in 2008/09;
- 0% of care leavers in 2008/09 had been in care for 10 years or longer;
- 67% of care leavers left care because they had reached 18 years of age;
- 11% of care leavers left care with 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C) or higher, compared with 67% of general school leavers;
- Just below half (48%) of care leavers had no qualifications at all, compared to 3% of Northern Ireland school leavers;
- 71% of care leavers in foster care achieved GCSEs or other qualifications;
- Of those for whom information was available in 2008/09, two fifths were in education or training, 32% were unemployed, 12% were working and 16% were economically inactive;
- Care leavers who had obtained no qualifications were over two and a half times as likely as those with qualifications to be unemployed or economically inactive;
- Young people whose last placement had been foster care appeared to be at an economic advantage on leaving care, with almost four in five (76%) in education, training or employed.
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 statistical return, collected from HSC Trusts on an annual basis.
- Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 30th November 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 3SQ
Tel: 028 9052 0727
Fax: 028 9052 3288
E-mail:
Internet:
4. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
