Children and Young People in Care: What the Latest Research Tells Us

Children and young people entering the care system have often already experienced significant challenges, and for some, instability can continue while they are in care. Research highlighted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is helping the social care sector better understand these experiences and identify where earlier support could make a difference.

The importance of early intervention

One area of NIHR-supported research has explored the relationship between deprivation, preventative services and the number of children entering care.

Research led by Dr Davara Bennett found that children living in the most deprived circumstances were 3.4 times more likely to enter care than those who were least deprived. It also found that rising child poverty between 2015 and 2020 was associated with more than 10,000 additional children entering care.

The research also highlighted the potential importance of preventative services. Every £10 reduction in prevention spending per child was associated with nearly two additional teenagers per 100,000 entering care the following year. These findings have contributed to discussions around prevention, fairer funding and supporting more children to remain safely with their families.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing

Mental health is another important area of research. According to the NIHR, there is currently no agreed approach for assessing the mental health needs of young people in care across the UK.

The MyVoice Project is investigating whether using standardised mental health symptom tools within children’s social care could help identify needs and improve the emotional wellbeing of young people.

Research shaping social care

From understanding the impact of childhood deprivation to improving support for foster carers and exploring better mental health assessments, research continues to provide valuable evidence that can inform social care practice.

For professionals working with children, young people and families, developments like these offer an insight into how evidence can help shape services, policy and ultimately better outcomes for those receiving support.

Source: This article is based on research and information published by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Read the full NIHR insight: Children, young people and families

National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (2026) Children, young people and families. Available at: NIHR – Children, young people and families (Accessed: 13 August 2026).