Little attention and research has been paid to children looked after at home yet they make up a quarter of the looked after children population.
This study provides strong evidence that home supervision provides the best opportunity to support our most vulnerable children and families. And it also shows that this opportunity is often not realised. This suggests a strong case for multi-level and sustained change to systems and service provision is needed.
We are calling for greater investment in effective family support services which will bring about a more concentrated and consistent approach to assisting these young people and their families.
We were commissioned by Barnardo's to carry out this independent research.