Key Highlights
- Samantha Morton calls for manslaughter charges against councils failing to prevent children’s deaths in care.
- Data shows a sharp rise in deaths among care leavers since 2020.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledges failures and pledges reform.
- Actor grew up in state care, citing personal experience with system shortcomings.
The Urgency of Care System Reform: Samantha Morton’s Plea for Action
In a powerful call to action, BAFTA-winning actress Samantha Morton has demanded that councils be held accountable for the deaths of children in care by facing manslaughter charges. “The lack of care historically is shocking,” Morton told Sky News, “but the lack of care today is worse.” Her impassioned plea stems from her own experience growing up in state care and witnessing systemic failures.
Personal Experience and Advocacy
Morton’s words carry weight as she reflects on her upbringing. “I was a child of the state, just like Nonita,” she stated. The case of 18-year-old Nonita Grabovskyte, who took her own life in December 2023 after years of state care, serves as a stark example of the failures Morton speaks about. Nonita had previously informed doctors and social workers of her intention to end her life once she turned 18, but no preventive measures were taken.
Data Reveals Alarming Trends
The data compiled by Sky News paints an alarming picture of the current state of care for young people. According to figures from the Department for Education, there has been a significant increase in deaths among care leavers over recent years. The numbers stand at 40 in 2020, 30 in 2021, 60 in 2022, and 90 in 2023. In 2024, the number dropped to 80, but experts caution that this may not reflect the true scale due to data collection methods only beginning in 2023.
Government Response and Reform Efforts
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has acknowledged the severity of these issues. “Deaths of care-experienced young people shame us all,” she said, adding that every serious incident notification is personally reviewed by her. Phillipson’s commitment to reforming the system comes after a Sky News documentary highlighted multiple failures in Nonita’s case and others like hers.
“It shames us as a country that we so badly fail many of the most vulnerable children who’ve experienced such appalling trauma and abuse in their early lives,” Phillipson stated. Her efforts to urgently review notification processes underscore the government’s recognition of the need for systemic change.
Call to Action: Holding Authorities Accountable
Morton’s stance is clear: “A failure to care has massive consequences, and the consequences are that people like Nonita die.” She believes these deaths should be considered a form of state manslaughter. “And individuals who fail to do their job properly should be in a dock,” she emphasized.
With mounting evidence pointing towards systemic failures, Morton’s advocacy could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms within the care system. As discussions continue about holding local authorities accountable, there is hope that such measures will prevent future tragedies and ensure better support for vulnerable children.
For those affected by these issues or seeking support, Samaritans offers free helpline services available 24/7. Call 116 123 to speak with a trained counselor who can provide immediate assistance and guidance.
