All children
5.3 per 10,000
Children in care
15.8 per 10,000
Source: Office for National Statistics and the Department for Children, Schools and Families
Children in care are three times more likely to die than their peers, according to government statistics.
Figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Office for National Statistics show 15.8 out of every 10,000 children in care died in 2006, compared with an average death rate of 5.3 per 10,000. However, the breakdown of the causes of deaths among children in care shows many are linked to disabilities and genetic factors.
Tim Loughton, the shadow children's minister, conceded that levels of disability are higher among children in care, but says more can be done to prevent deaths.
"Despite the better efforts of our beleaguered social workers, the system is still failing to protect some of our most vulnerable children," he said. "Still too many looked-after children don't get the health checks they need and this must change."
