Browse our collection of recent CASCADE updates and news items, providing a variety of materials for researchers, practitioners, and the public.

  • You Can Do Difficult Things: Lessons from My Placement at CASCADE

    Eight months after joining CASCADE as a placement student, psychology undergraduate Kalila reflects on the lessons she’s learned about research, confidence, collaboration and stepping outside her comfort zone. Approaching the Spark building on my first day at CASCADE, the air felt turbulent, the damp taste of rain wetting my lips as cool sunshine broke through… Read More
  • young person in a car holding a video camera
    New co-produced film explores responses to child criminal exploitation in Wales

    A new film co-produced with young people with lived experience and professionals has been launched by Action for Children and researchers at CASCADE, Cardiff University, to encourage discussion about how children affected by criminal exploitation are identified, supported and safeguarded across Wales. Our Paths, Our Voices accompanies a major study commissioned by Action for Children… Read More
  • From Wales to Italy: Learning, Sharing and Strengthening Young People’s Voices

    In May, CASCADE staff Louise Roberts and Rachael Vaughan visited Italy for a knowledge exchange visit hosted by SOS Children’s Villages Italy, our team had the opportunity to share approaches to care-experienced young people’s participation in policy, practice and service development. The visit involved a series of meetings across Bologna, Florence and Rome with key… Read More
  • a clear lightbulb on a pink background
    Two CASCADE researchers awarded Advancing Researcher funding

    Two researchers from the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) at Cardiff University have been awarded personal funding through the Health and Care Research Wales Faculty’s Advancing Researcher Scheme. Dr Harriet Lloyd and Dr Lorna Stabler are among researchers from across Wales selected in the latest round of awards, all of which begin on 1 April 2026. Through the… Read More
  • the approach to Windsor Castle on a sunny day
    CASCADE celebrates Professor Andy Pithouse MBE

    We are delighted to celebrate Professor Andy Pithouse, who has recently been awarded an MBE for services to social care and education policy. Andy has made a significant and lasting contribution to social work research, both in Wales and internationally. His work has helped shape how social work is understood, studied and valued, influencing generations… Read More
  • CASCADE research referenced in Senedd discussion on Family Drug and Alcohol Courts in Wales

    Research from CASCADE, Cardiff University’s Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, has been referenced in the Senedd during a discussion on the future of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs) in Wales. During questions to the Counsel General, Rhys ab Owen MS highlighted the potential benefits of the FDAC approach and referred to evidence… Read More
  • A judges gavel on a dark table
    Young people meeting judges in care proceedings: why we should sweat the small stuff

    Imagine you’re 13. You’ve been removed from your home. You’re living with people you didn’t choose, in a place you didn’t pick. Adults you’ve never met are writing reports about you, and a judge you’ve never seen is going to decide who you live with. Will you go home to your parents? Stay with your… Read More
  • CASCADE researchers contribute to UK Parliament briefing on children in care

    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… Read More
  • A stack of books which have been blurred.
    Book Launch – Experimental Methods and Children’s Social Care

    We’re delighted to announce the launch of Experimental Methods and Children’s Social Care: The Contribution of Randomised Controlled Trials, co-edited by David Westlake from CASCADE, alongside Michael Sanders (School for Government, King’s College London) and Vanessa Hirneis (The Policy Institute, King’s College London). Published in October 2025, this timely and insightful volume brings together leading… Read More
  • yellow award ribbon on a blue background
    CASCADE Parents Research Advisory Group Wins Public Involvement Award

    We’re thrilled to share that the CASCADE Parents Research Advisory Group has won the Public Involvement Award at the 2025 Health and Care Research Wales Awards. The awards were announced at the tenth annual Health and Care Research Wales conference, held on 16 October at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The event brought together researchers, practitioners,… Read More