Young People in Care as a Risk Factor

Children and young people in care are amongst the most disadvantaged and socially excluded populations. Their low educational attainment increases their chances of being unemployed, becoming homeless and more likely to engage in anti-social behaviour and crime.

(People Like Us: The Report of the Review of the Safeguards of Children Living Away from Home, TSO, Sir William Utting et al, Nov. 1997 Stationary Office ISBN 0113221010)

This is reflected in the statistics that 26% of all prisoners and 40% of prisoners under 21 have been in care at some stage in their lives. The National Prison Survey 1991: Main Findings (1992) Home Office Research Study No. 128. London. HMSO.