Understanding the educational experiences and opinions, attainment, achievement and aspirations of looked after children in Wales. Authors Dawn Mannay, Eleanor Staples, Sophie Hallett, Louise Roberts, Alyson Rees, Rhiannon Evans, and Darren Andrews

The relationship between poverty and child maltreatment and by extension of being placed in out-of-home care is a well-established one. However, this study goes beyond recent UK studies on the scale of child welfare inequalities in the likelihood of being placed in out-of-home care by considering such inequalities over time. The study is an analysis… Read More

The Visiting Mum scheme aims to reduce reoffending, and reduce the emotional distress caused to women incarcerated away from their children. Authors Dr Alyson Rees, Dr Eleanor Staples, Dr Nina Maxwell Funders Big Lottery Fund

This project consisted of an evaluation of the impact of restorative approach training on voluntary sector practitioner confidence when delivery services and on their perceived engagement with families resistant to service use. Authors Dr Annie Williams Funders Tros Gynnal Plant

A systematic map and synthesis review was commissioned by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel to assess what is known in the literature about child criminal exploitation. Read More

The number of private law applications has been rising, with parents demonstrating unrealistic expectations as to what the court can and should do. Read More

AN EVALUATION OF CARING CHANGES:A TRAINING PROGRAMME FORRESIDENTIAL CARER A short sentence or two summarising the central purpose of the report.  Authors Dr Alyson Rees, Edward Janes

As part of the Confidence in Care research, Alyson Rees and colleagues are also undertaking a discrete feasibility study to be completed by May 2016. This will be considering the practicalities of running a skills and mentoring programme in Wales. The programme is entitled ‘Fostering Healthy Futures’, and   has been developed in Colorado   for young people in foster… Read More

An evidence based review of the risks to children and young people who are educated at home. Authors Donald Forrester, Nina Maxwell, Tom Slater, Julie Doughty Commissioner National Independent Safeguarding Board

Care for children in residential settings is popularly characterised as the last resort for children who have had multiple failed placements and often high levels of need, requiring therapeutic help. It is often assumed that children will leave residential care for independent living. Using administrative data for a six-year period (2008–2014) for children “looked after”… Read More