How do we know if children’s social care services make a difference? Developing an outcomes framework

This study aims to design an outcomes framework for Children’s Social Care Services based on the views of those who plan, deliver and use these services as well as the existing evidence base.

Regional Adoption Agencies: an evaluation

An evaluation of new models of providing adoption services in England

Bright Spots: the subjective wellbeing of looked after children

An action research project that aims to help local authorities better understand the needs of the children they look after through an anonymous online survey for looked after children aged 4-18yrs.

Ethics review of machine learning in children’s social care

Assess applicability of existing ethical frameworks to current machine learning practices, identify complexities of children's social care which would influence ethics of using machine learning

Concepts of care for separated migrant children

Study led by the Open University investigates how separated child migrants and those involved in their care make sense of care relationships and care practices.

Cost calculator for children’s services

A software tool that can be used to explore the relationship between needs, costs and outcomes of services provided to looked after children.

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people: educational provision

The Alex Timpson Attachment and Trauma Programme In Schools

This five year research programme aims to increase understanding of the role of attachment and trauma in children’s education.

Family Justice Observatory

The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory will improve the use of data and research evidence in the family justice system in England & Wales in order to support the best possible decisions for children.

Exclusion of Looked After Children from English secondary schools

A longitudinal mixed methods study (October 2017-June 2019) exploring reasons for fixed term exclusions, outcomes by age 16 and perspectives of those involved.

Access, retention and graduate outcomes for H.E. students with a background of care or family estrangement

A mixed methods study exploring the factors that influence outcomes in higher education for care-experienced or estranged students.

Care leavers’ transition into the labour market in England

This large-scale study explores in detail what factors, including earlier education and training, contribute to whether care leavers are in employment at age 21.

Educational Attainment and Progress of Children in Need and Children in Care

This study investigates the educational trajectories, attainments and experiences of children in care and in need, including the perspectives of parents, pupils and professionals.

Shared Training and Assessment for well-being (STRAWB)

A pilot project testing a training and assessment package to be used by foster carers and schools to improve early identification of potential mental health difficulties in children.

Reading Together: Effectiveness of an Enhanced Book-Gifting Intervention

A reading programme, co-designed with Queen’s University Belfast for children aged 7-9 in foster care using an approach called 'paired reading'.

Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme (DfE)

We are developing and delivering evaluations for seven of the UK-based projects funded by the UK government's DfE Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme.