The Children’s Society has published a report looking at why 16 and 17 year-olds, referred to children’s services and assessed as being a child in need or who become subject to child protection plan, need more support as they move in to adulthood. Findings from freedom of information requests sent to councils in England and Wales, as well as analysis of data from the Understanding Society survey and interviews with young people who were known to children’s services when they were aged 16-17 include: mental health needs of children and young people appear to be one of the main issues affecting older adolescents: for 46% of 16 and 17 year-olds referred to children’s services the decision was made that no further action was needed; 35% of 16 and 17 year-olds who are referred to children’s services had also been referred in the previous two years.
Source: The Children’s Society Date: 21 March 2018
Further information: Crumbling futures: why vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds need more support as they move into adulthood (PDF)
