CASCADE researchers Louise Roberts and Samantha Fitz-Symonds have contributed expert insight to a newly published Parliamentary briefing on improving outcomes for children in care.
The report, Improving outcomes and support for children in care, was produced by the UK Parliament’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) to support evidence-informed policy development. It brings together research on the experiences and outcomes of care-experienced children across areas including mental health, education, placement stability and involvement with the criminal justice system
The briefing highlights persistent challenges faced by children in care, including poorer educational outcomes, increased risk of mental health difficulties, and greater likelihood of contact with the youth justice system. It also explores the importance of stable relationships, access to tailored support, and effective multi-agency collaboration in improving long-term outcomes.
Louise Roberts and Samantha Fitz-Symonds were among the academic and sector experts consulted in the development of the briefing, contributing research expertise to help inform national policy discussions about how support for care-experienced children can be strengthened.
CASCADE’s involvement reflects the centre’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that research informs decision-making at a national level and supports improvements in children’s social care policy and practice.
You can read the full briefing here