This briefing paper is the first in a series, from an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded research study. The study explores the prevalence and characteristics of children growing up in kinship care in the UK using 2011 Census microdata.

The current review collates research and policy regarding use of residential schools for children and young people with intellectual disabilities in the UK and transition from these settings to adult services.

This paper systematically reviews surveys of kinship carers in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to identify messages for policy and practice about the characteristics and support needs of kinship care families.

The purpose of this paper is to explore negative peer interactions in foster care. 

This report explores options for young people aging out of residential care (“care leavers”) and the potential challenges and costs of effective implementation of those options.

 Using the accumulated wisdom of a select group of accomplished managers, academics and policy makers in social work and social care, this paper retrospectively reviews the evolution of Family Support within the Irish context and distils the core characteristics of Family Support practice and service delivery. 

This report includes the statistical information regarding looked-after children in the UK for the year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.

This study involved the use of qualitative methods as part of a larger process evaluation to explore the longer-term experiences of parents who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Incredible Years Parenting Programme (IYPP) in disadvantaged settings in Ireland.

This study, from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in the UK, focuses on those children in alternative care who experience abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers or guardians who are responsible for ensuring their wellbeing.

This article highlights the impact three recent television documentaries on British television have had on public awareness and understanding of foster care and adoption processes.