FIRST LARGE-SCALE STUDY INTO KIDS IN CARE

The first large-scale study into the outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care in Australia has delivered its first wave of findings, Minister for Family and Community Services, Brad Hazzard announced today.

The NSW Government is leading the way investing $7.5 million over five years into this landmark Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study – which will provide a valuable insight into the lives of vulnerable children and young people in out-of-home-care.

“I want to see children and young people in out of home care getting the same opportunities as those in the general community,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This study is a really important tool for us to see where we can improve the system to help them achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The study will follow over 4,000 children and young people throughout their time in out-of-home care - measuring their physical health, cognitive and learning abilities and socio-emotional wellbeing.

The first phase of the study looked at children and young people who entered care for the first time between May 2010 and October 2011.

Many children and young people entering care often face a number of difficulties including developmental and behavioural issues – and the initial data reflects this.

Mr Hazzard said he was heartened to see the initial results also show there are children and young people who are developing well in their first year in out-of-home care.

“This is a complex area and the Government is always looking for ways to help children and young people in care live in a safe and loving home and achieve their best – whether it’s staying in school, going to university or getting a job.”

“The Government will use this study to help shape the way we work with children and young people in care into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.

The next wave of results from the study – for which data is collected at 18-month intervals - is expected to be published early next year.