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Study: 1 in 4 Teens in Care Attempt Suicide
14 Jan
Summary
- A quarter of teens in care attempted suicide, four times higher risk.
- Care-experienced youth show higher rates of self-harm and depression.
- Study highlights need for ongoing support beyond age 17 for care leavers.
Research indicates a critical mental health disparity for teenagers in care. One in four such adolescents have attempted suicide, a stark contrast to the one in fourteen rate among peers without care experience. This elevates their suicide risk fourfold.
Beyond suicide attempts, care-experienced youth face other severe mental health challenges. Nearly six in 10 have self-harmed, and almost four in 10 report high levels of depression. The study also notes increased likelihood of early sexual activity and related pregnancies.
Academics emphasize that these negative outcomes are not inevitable and call for systemic changes, including family-focused approaches and sustained support throughout a young person's life. Government initiatives aim to improve early mental health access for children in care.
