Juveniles in residential care systems have high rates of suicidal ideation (SI). This study aims to expand knowledge of the prevalence and stability of SI, as well its associated factors among young adult care leavers in Switzerland.

This research report reviews international approaches to competency frameworks and in-service training for the social service workforce, drawing on experiences from the United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, and other countries.

This case study examines Germany's approach to supervision of the social work workforce and identifies practices that can inform the development of supervision systems in Ukraine. The publication describes supervision as an independent professional discipline centred on reflective practice, professional development, emotional support, and quality assurance rather than administrative oversight.

This article presents a research protocol for the first comprehensive, multi-method study examining the quality, experiences, and outcomes of residential out-of-home care for children and young people in Austria. It aims to identify factors influencing children’s well-being and development while generating evidence to improve child welfare practice, quality assurance, and policy.

This study examines the long-term effects of early institutional care in Zurich, finding that infants exposed to severe psychosocial deprivation faced significantly higher mortality risk and lost an estimated 12 years of life compared to peers raised in the community. It highlights that lack of nurturing interaction in early childhood has lasting consequences into adulthood, underscoring the critical importance of responsive care for child health and survival.

This study explores how minors in out-of-family care in Belgium experience placements and what improvements they recommend, based on interviews with youth in residential facilities. It finds that placements are often confusing and disruptive, and emphasizes the need for more child-centered, developmentally appropriate care that addresses both emotional needs and everyday living conditions.

This article explains how the Flemish government in Flanders has introduced new regulations to phase out intercountry adoptions, with a full halt expected by 2027 due to longstanding concerns about irregularities and unethical practices in adoptio

This article describes how French authorities have issued a rare international appeal for victims and witnesses in the case of 79-year-old former educator Jacques Leveugle, accused of raping and sexually assaulting 89 children across five continents over more than five decades while working in roles that brought him into contact with young people — including as an educator in a children’s home in Bogotá, Colombia — highlighting concerns about long-term abuse in settings where children, including those living without family care, can be particularly vulnerable.

This study examines mental health trajectories and quality of life among young adults who experienced out-of-home care, finding that nearly half had persistent mental disorders from adolescence into adulthood. It highlights the importance of early prevention and intervention during out-of-home care and the transition to adulthood to reduce persistent mental health challenges and improve care leavers’ quality of life.

This study explores how children living in children’s homes in Luxembourg experience their daily lives, revealing that while many feel sad or worried, they also demonstrate resilience and the ability to find joy. The findings highlight that children feel better when adults listen and take them seriously, and that additional support with school and caring relationships can improve their well-being.