Acclaimed actor and director Samantha Morton has issued a powerful demand for local authorities to face manslaughter charges when children in their care die due to systemic failures.
A System in Crisis
In a stark interview with Sky News, the Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning performer, who herself grew up in the care system, stated that Britain's approach to child protection requires a complete overhaul. Her comments follow the airing of a Sky News documentary, A Girl Called Nonita, which detailed the tragic death of 18-year-old Nonita Grabovskyte.
Nonita ended her life on railway tracks in December 2023, just a fortnight after her 18th birthday. Shockingly, she had repeatedly informed doctors and social workers of her intention to take her own life upon turning 18, yet no effective action was taken to prevent her death.
"I Was a Child of the State, Just Like Nonita"
Morton drew direct parallels between her own childhood and that of the late teenager. "I was put in care at birth until I got the letter to say I was no longer the council's responsibility," she revealed. "I was kicked out at 16 and put into a homeless hostel."
After experiencing periods of homelessness, she found refuge in a local TV actors' workshop, a move that eventually led to a successful Hollywood career. Despite her success, she has never forgotten her traumatic childhood, which was spent moving between children's homes and foster families.
She delivered a damning verdict on the current state of affairs: "The lack of care historically is shocking. But the lack of care today is worse." Morton added that in the past, it felt like there was "at least some comeuppance," whereas now, "the system is not fit for purpose. It needs root and branch reform."
Sharp Rise in Care Leaver Deaths
Data obtained by Sky News underscores the severity of the crisis, showing a alarming increase in deaths among young people who have recently left the care system.
The figures for deaths in England since 2020 are:
- 2020: 40
- 2021: 30
- 2022: 60
- 2023: 90
- 2024: 80
This data, sourced from the Department for Education, primarily tracks care leavers up to age 21. The department only began collecting data for those aged 22 to 25 in 2023, meaning the true number of deaths over the past decade is likely significantly higher.
Morton argues that councils must be held accountable when their failings contribute to such tragedies. "A failure to care has massive consequences," she stated. "And the consequences are that people like Nonita die. I believe that that is a kind of state manslaughter. And individuals who fail to do their job properly should be in a dock."
Government Response and Systemic Failures
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told Sky News that the deaths of care-experienced young people "should shame us all." While all deaths of children in state care must be reported to the government via the Child Safeguarding Incident Notification Scheme, there are serious concerns about underreporting.
Ms Phillipson has asked officials to urgently review the process. "I'm concerned about serious incident notifications," she said, "about making sure we're receiving all notifications of such incidents taking place."
She emphasised the personal impact of reading each case, stating, "It always stays with you. Every case is a child or young person who deserved better."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, help and support is available. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123 anytime, day or night.
