In a shocking revelation, acclaimed actress Samantha Morton is calling for manslaughter charges against councils that fail to protect children in care. Morton, who has a personal history in the care system, argues that the current state of care is worse than ever, and the statistics back her up. A recent Sky News documentary highlighted the tragic story of Nonita Grabovskyte, an 18-year-old who took her own life after being failed by the very system meant to protect her. This heartbreaking case has ignited a firestorm of outrage and demands for accountability.

Morton, a BAFTA-winning talent, spoke candidly about her own experiences in care, revealing that she was placed in the system at birth and faced homelessness at just 16. Her journey from a troubled childhood to Hollywood stardom is a testament to resilience, but she insists that many others are not so fortunate. "The lack of care historically is shocking. But the lack of care today is worse," she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in a system that she believes is fundamentally broken.

The data is alarming. Since 2020, deaths among care leavers—young adults who have aged out of the system—have surged dramatically. In 2023 alone, 90 young people lost their lives, a staggering increase that raises serious questions about the support provided to these vulnerable individuals. The Department for Education has only recently begun tracking deaths among care leavers aged 22 to 25, suggesting that the true scale of this crisis is likely much larger than reported.

Morton argues that local councils must be held accountable for these tragic outcomes. "A failure to care has massive consequences," she declared. "People like Nonita die because of systemic neglect. I believe that is a kind of state manslaughter." Her call for accountability resonates with many who feel that the government has turned a blind eye to the suffering of these young people.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the deaths of care-experienced young people should "shame us all." However, there are growing concerns about the accuracy of reporting these deaths. Phillipson has initiated a review to ensure that all incidents are properly documented, emphasizing the need for transparency in understanding the challenges faced by children in care.

As the nation grapples with this crisis, Morton’s passionate plea serves as a rallying cry for change. The failures of the care system are not just statistics; they represent real lives lost and futures shattered. It is time for a complete overhaul of a system that has failed its most vulnerable citizens for far too long. The question remains: will the government take decisive action, or will these tragic stories continue to unfold in silence?