New study maps strengths and gaps in evidence on outcomes for children in care

The research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), draws on 77 review studies published between January 2013 and July 2024. It provides what the authors describe as a comprehensive overview of what is currently known – and not known – about the lives of children in care.

Published in PLOS One, the “review of reviews” found that mental health, behaviour and placement experiences dominate the existing literature. In contrast, there is far less evidence on outcomes linked to identity, bullying, mortality and early education processes. Community-level influences, including schools and neighbourhoods, were rarely examined.

The authors argue that these gaps have practical implications. Children in care remain a particularly vulnerable group, often with complex needs linked to adverse childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect, as well as wider systemic disadvantage. Without a fuller understanding of their social and civic lives, there is a risk that policy and practice focus primarily on clinical symptoms rather than the broader factors that support integration and long-term wellbeing.

Richmond Opoku, lead author and researcher at Swansea University, said that despite more research in the field, there is still much that is unknown.

“Research into children in care has grown significantly, but it remains fragmented. By mapping this evidence, we can see exactly what is missing—particularly around identity, participation, and the wider community influences that are vital for a child's long-term future.”

Senior author Dr Tash Kennedy, from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, added: “To truly support children in care, we need a complete picture of their lives, from their sense of identity to how they participate in their communities. By gathering this high-quality data, we can build the evidence base needed to improve long-term policy and practice.”

The study forms part of the wider CARELINK Wales project. Led by HDR UK Wales, the collaboration brings together researchers from Swansea University, Bangor University, Public Health Wales, Cardiff University and the University of Manchester. The partnership is supported by ADR Wales and the Centre for Population Health.

Researchers also worked with parents and care-experienced young people from advisory group CASCADE Voices to help shape the study and interpret the findings, with the aim of ensuring that the review addressed real-world priorities.

The authors conclude that while the volume of research on children in care has expanded, a more balanced and holistic evidence base is needed to inform future social work practice and policymaking.