Four key reports, released by ADR UK, aim to transform children's social care research.

By reviewing existing research and gathering insights from experts, these reports set out a new research agenda for research concerning children who are at risk of poor outcomes.

These reports have been produced by the ADR England Community Catalyst, funded by ADR UK (UKRI) and co-led by Professor of Social Work at Lancaster UniversityKaren Broadhurst.

The reports are part of the ADR England Research Community Catalyst for Children at Risk of Poor Outcomes, a project led by Swansea University and Lancaster University, and funded by ADR England and Foundations: What Works Centre for Children and Families. The initiative connects researchers and analysts to make better use of national administrative datasets and drive impactful research.

The Scoping Review Reportoffers insights into existing research using administrative data in children’s statutory social care services, such as support for children in need, those under child protection plans, and children in care. It highlights strengths, gaps, and opportunities for future research.

A Summary Report condenses the findings, providing a quick overview of commonly used datasets, recurring themes, and areas where evidence is lacking. Together, these reports provide a solid foundation for researchers to build upon.

The Stakeholder Priorities Report captures the voices of key stakeholders across practice, policy, and academia from across the UK. It identifies pressing topics for research, such as improving outcomes for at-risk children, and discusses challenges in accessing and using data.

The Research Agenda lays out recommendations based on the scoping review and stakeholder consultation. It highlights the most urgent research priorities and provides a strategic guide for future investment and collaboration.

Co-lead of the Catalyst Professor Broadhurst said: “I am delighted to see these reports published, providing a clear steer for the research community, regarding evidence priorities. Looking ahead, it is important that research on children in care, is complemented by a greater focus on earlier intervention to prevent family breakdown.”

Professor of Paediatric Epidemiology at Population Data Science at Swansea University and co-lead of the Catalyst Lucy Griffiths said: “These reports are a step forward in shaping a shared understanding of research priorities and addressing the most pressing questions about children’s social care.”

For more on the reports and their findings, visit ADR UK.

If you are interested in the Catalyst and its work, you are invited to join an interactive online webinar. This event will delve into the project's research agenda and provide an opportunity to hear directly from key contributors. Details are listed below.

Forthcoming Catalyst Event: A research agenda for children's social care

This interactive event from the ADR England Research Community Catalyst: Children at Risk of Poor Outcomes - the first in a series - aims to showcase the project's research agenda.

With presentations from Professor Lucy Griffiths, Professor Karen Broadhurst, Kat Tranter and Dr Grace Bailey.

When: 11:00, Monday 27 January 2025

Where: Online

How to attend: Click here to register.

You can also see the full list of upcoming events.