The Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR) is an independent research unit based in the Social Sciences department at Loughborough University. Established in 2002, the unit carries out high quality, policy relevant research into children, families and communities.

Our research is influential both nationally and internationally and provides the evidence base for the development of a wide range of policy initiatives to respond to diverse issues with an emphasis on those related to children in need. The current research programme includes exploration of the relationships between costs and outcomes in children’s services, studies on the relationships between professional decision making, practice and children’s life chances, and international comparisons of legislation, policy
and experiences of care leavers.

Current research themes

Outcomes for vulnerable children

Exploring costs and outcomes
(Includes the Cost Calculator for Children's Services)

Promoting the well being of children and young people

Promoting the well being of adults and the community
(includes the Growing Together research into Social and therapeutic horticulture)

Current news

• Care Matters Conference hailed great success!
  
  
• Costs and consequences of placing children in care: New book from CCFR
  
  
• NEW PROJECT: Evaluation of Local Safeguarding Children Boards
  
  
• New study explores experiences of care leavers in higher education
  

For more news stories click here

New publications

• Download our new Evidence Papers
  

• 'Costs and Consequences of Placing Children in Care' - Download a flyer
  

• 'Young People's Transitions from Care to Adulthood: International Research and Practice' - Download a flyer
  

• Developing Definitions of Local Authority Services and Guidance for the new Children in Need Census. Report to the Department for Children, Schools and Families.