03 April 2009 - Publication of 'Northern Ireland care leavers 2007/08'

The bulletin presents results from the annual OC1 survey care leavers in Northern Ireland during 2007/08. This survey collects data on the educational achievements and economic activity of young people leaving care, their age, religion, ethnic group, disability, length of time in care, and latest care placement.

The main findings from the latest survey indicate care leavers were 18 times more likely to have no qualifications than school leavers, and four times more likely than other 16-18 year olds to be unemployed.

Key Facts and Figures

• 245 young people aged 16 & over left care during the year ending 31 March 2008; of which, 135 were boys and 110 were girls.
• Over two fifths (44%) of care leavers had spent more than five years in care.
• Over half (53%) of young people left care in 2007/08 because they had reached the age of 18, whilst for others it was to return home (21%) or to move into supported accommodation (8%).
• More young people left care with five GCSE’s A*-C or higher in 2007/08 (12%) than in 2005/06 (9%), whilst a slightly lower proportion had achieved 1-4 GCSE’s A*-C in 2007/08 (16%) than in 2005/06 (18%).
• The proportion of care leavers achieving five GCSE’s A*-C or higher (12%) was substantially lower than that of all Northern Ireland school leavers, 65% of whom attained these grades.
• Care leavers were 18 times more likely than school leavers in general to leave without any qualifications. More than half of all young care leavers (53%) left without gaining any qualifications, compared to 3% of all school leavers in Northern Ireland.
• Young care leavers (41%) were four times more likely to be unemployed or inactive than those of similar age in the general population.

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 26th March 2009.

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

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