We work with organisations involved in child welfare to evaluate services and work to empower children, young people and families to play a more meaningful role in decision making.

A woman with children sitting on a weathered wooden bench overlooking a bridge over a river in a wooded area during fall.

Key areas of research

Parental Advocacy

Parental Advocacy research focuses on empowering parents within child protection and social care systems, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights recognised. This research examines how advocacy can support parents in navigating complex processes, aiming to improve outcomes for families and foster more equitable, collaborative practices in social work.

A young boy hugging an adult, at the beach during sunset.

Children’s Participation and Voice

This research explores ways to actively involve children in decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their perspectives are considered in social work, education, and legal settings. It focuses on empowering children to express their views and advocating for systems that genuinely listen and respond to their needs.

A person wearing a red and blue plaid shirt gesturing with hands while talking during a meeting, in front of a laptop, notebook, and smartphone on a wooden table; a woman is sitting in the background.

Policy Implementation

Here, we examine how policies aimed at protecting and supporting children are put into practice within social care systems. Assessing the effectiveness of these policies, identifies barriers to their successful implementation, and we can seek ways to improve practices to ensure better outcomes for children and families.

We work with organisations involved in child welfare to evaluate services and work to empower children, young people and families to play a more meaningful role in decision making.

Key areas of research

Parental Advocacy

Children’s Participation and Voice

Policy Implementation

How are policies implemented in children's services?

The Coronavirus Pandemic. Sharing experiences & lessons

How might shared decision-making meetings reduce the need for children to be in care?

“They seem to listen more now I have an advocate”