Research
CCFR investigates how vulnerable children, young people and adults experience life in society today: how their experiences and situations differ; what social circumstances and environmental factors influence well being; and ways that services and policy can be shaped to improve their experiences.
Our research splits into four themes - click on the tabs on the left to explore projects in these themes.
If you are interested in our Growing Together research which explores the benefits and use of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture - click here
Many projects focus on developing training and tools that support social services and other agencies in delivering care and securing better outcomes.
For example, our work exploring costs and outcomes has led to the development of the Cost Calculator for Children’s Services (CCfCS). This is a software application designed to assist local authorities and other agencies to monitor the true costs of services to children and thus to improve strategic planning and commissioning.
Visit the CCfCS website
Professor Harriet Ward is an Academic Consultant for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Department of Health (DH) Safeguarding Children Research Initiative.
The initiative aims to strengthen the evidence base for policy and service delivery and to support the Government’s programme of reform to improve early recognition and effective intervention to protect children.
As part of this initiative, members of the CCFR team are collaborating with the University of Dundee on the study: Noticing and helping the neglected child: a review of the literature
We can provide a range of consultancy services and expert advice for local authorities and other organisations. Recent consultancy work include the projects:
Evaluation of the NCH Derbyshire Children’s Support Service
An exploratory study to assess the value of a new approach to examine children’s needs and educational outcomes
If you are interested in finding out more about our consultancy services, please contact Professor Harriet Ward
We are also able to undertake short-term, small-scale and urgent pieces of research and development. The following are previous responsive studies:
Improving outcomes for looked after children: reports to the green paper team
Placement stability: a review of the literature
Foster care survey: a short feasibility study
Carers' assessments in Nottinghamshire: content, processes and outcomes
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