Outcomes for vulnerable children

Research in this area explores the needs and experiences of vulnerable children and young people. It focuses on children looked after by local authorities or at risk of significant harm.

The research examines the services provided to children in need and the resulting outcomes.

The theme focuses on effective interventions for vulnerable children, including the process of decision-making and its outcomes.

Current projects

• An evaluation of the effectiveness of the new Local Safeguarding Children Boards

• Looking after children: cohort studies

• Noticing and helping the neglected child: a review of the literature

• 'Overcoming By Degrees': PhD Studentship

• Protecting and promoting the well being of very young children:
  a prospective study of babies in need or at significant risk of harm

• Transitions to adulthood of vulnerable young people

Completed projects

• A pilot study to assess the development of a multi-agency and integrated approach to the delivery of services to children and their families

• Development of an Integrated Children's System: Linking the Looking After Children materials with those related to the new Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families

• Evaluation of a standardised procedure for inter-agency referrals to social services

• Foster care survey: a short feasibility study

• Helping local authorities make better use of information on children in need: Data Analysis Network for Children's Services

• Improving outcomes for looked after children: a series of reports commissioned by the green paper team

• Information outputs for children’s services

• Outcomes for looked after children: life pathways and decision-making for very young children in care or accommodation

• Placement stability: a review of the literature