Actor and director Samantha Morton has called for councils to be charged with manslaughter if they fail to prevent child care deaths. This statement comes amid discussions about the tragic case of Nonita Grabovskyte, an 18-year-old who took her life in December 2023 after experiencing a series of systemic failures in the care system.
Call for Manslaughter Charges
In an interview with Sky News, Morton emphasized the urgent need for reform within Britain’s care system. She shared her personal experiences growing up in care, highlighting inadequate treatment and support for vulnerable children. Nonita’s story has sparked significant concern regarding accountability in child protection services.
Background on Nonita Grabovskyte
Nonita died on the railway tracks shortly after her 18th birthday, following a history of expressing suicidal thoughts to doctors and social workers. Despite her warnings, necessary actions to safeguard her were not taken, raising serious questions about systemic neglect.
Rising Death Rates Among Care Leavers
Statistics reveal a concerning trend in the deaths of young adults who have aged out of the care system:
- 2020: 40 deaths
- 2021: 30 deaths
- 2022: 60 deaths
- 2023: 90 deaths
- 2024: 80 deaths
These figures, provided by the Department for Education, indicate a rising number of fatalities among care leavers, with the true extent likely being underestimated due to incomplete reporting.
Government Response and Accountability
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed her distress over the rising death toll among care-experienced youths. She underscored the need for thorough investigation into the reporting process for child safeguarding incidents.
Addressing Systemic Failures
Morton insists that councils must be held responsible for the care of vulnerable children. She argues that “the lack of care historically is shocking,” and stresses the importance of reform in the care system to prevent further tragedies.
Conclusions on the State of Care
Both Morton and Phillipson agree that the current state of child care in Britain is unacceptable. They emphasize the necessity of support systems to protect children from avoidable harm. Ensuring accountability and reform can create a safer environment for the most vulnerable members of society.
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues surrounding mental health or child welfare, support services such as Samaritans are available at any time.
