Publication of "Northern Ireland Care Leavers 2023/24"

Date published: 27 March 2025

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.