Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour among Young People Leaving Care: Case-file Survey

Abstract

Self-harming and suicide amongst adolescents are reported to be increasing in Europe and internationally. For young people in state care, this aspect of mental well-being is of particular concern. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of suicidal ideation and behaviour amongst young people (age 16-21 years) leaving state care in one health and social care trust in Northern Ireland, and to explore the correlation between this and client risk factors that might inform professional practice. Data were gathered from 164 case files of the total 215 (response rate 76%) in relation to all open cases as of 30 April 2012 extracted by the relevant social workers through the use of a standard data collection tool. Twenty-seven per cent of young people known to the 16+ Teams engaged in self-harm or suicidal behaviour. There was a strong correlation between the number of self-harm incidents and the number of suicide attempts. The risk factors identified were consistent with the research base: "male", "unemployed", "alcohol and drug misuse", "adverse childhood experiences", "higher number of placement moves" "placement type" and "older age when entering care". Young people in more isolated placements seemed particularly at risk. The results of this study are of particular relevance to social workers and other professionals working with young people leaving state care.

Supporting transitions to adulthood for youth leaving care: Consensus based principles

“…Young people leaving care often struggle with mental health problems and the risks for suicide are much higher than that in the general population. This points to a need for improved access to a range of services (Hamilton, Taylor, Killick, & Bickerstaff, 2015;Vinnerljung, Hjern, & Lindblad, 2006) including health, education, employment and housing without special conditions (Boddy, Lausten, Backe-Hansen, & Gundersen, 2019, Stein & Munro, 2008. Care leavers should get the support they need by having guaranteed access to relevant services.…”

Developing Service User Skills in Co-Production of Research: Course Development and Evaluation

“…The Stage Two module requires candidates to undertake a research or evaluation project in a social work service delivery organization (Campbell et al, 2016;Hamilton et al, 2015;Kirk et al, 2019), building on the literature review in Stage One. For social work students, the project is undertaken within their employing body and the project must be approved by their line management.…”

A Scoping Review of Factors Associated With the Mental Health of Young People Who Have “Aged Out” of the Child Welfare System

“…There is some evidence that care-leavers may have a more disrupted experience within the care system, indicated by greater placement instability and more instances of running away ( Shook et al, 2013 ). In adulthood, care-leavers are at also at increased risk for mental health problems, substance abuse difficulties, and death by suicide than the broader care-experienced population ( Hamilton et al, 2015 ; Shook et al, 2013 ). Unique to care-leavers is the accelerated transition into independence, at a much younger age than the general population ( Baker, 2017 ).…”