Study into looked after children in Scotland is Research Project of the Year

The Stirling-led study explores children’s experiences, their progress to permanence, and outcomes at key life stages.

people on stage receiving award
University of Stirling researchers receive their award.

A University of Stirling-led study into Scotland's most vulnerable children has been named Research Project of the Year.

The social scientists behind the study won a Herald Higher Education Award last night at a ceremony in Glasgow, beating off stiff competition from five other finalists from higher education institutions across Scotland.

Permanently Progressing? Building secure futures for children in Scotland is a study of more than 1,800 children looked after in Scotland. Judges lauded it for its impact on social care policy and practice, and on the lives of care experienced children and young people.

Researchers on the longitudinal study, led by the University of Stirling in collaboration with Lancaster University, and the Association for Fostering, Kinship & Adoption Scotland (AFKA), have been looking at the lives of all 1,836 children who became looked after in Scotland aged five or under in 2012-13, tracking their progress from infant to adult.

The latest phase of the three-year study found that it took on average more than two years to find the children a permanent home, and that more than one in 10 were in temporary placements 10 years after becoming looked after.

The researchers found that 91% of children had experienced maltreatment before being taken into care, and that the proportion of children with emotional and behavioural problems, as reported by caregivers, was five times higher than that seen in the general population of children.

The study's findings have gained widespread media coverage and a mention in Scottish Parliament.

Dr Helen Whincup, Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Stirling, who led the study, said: "We are thrilled that Permanently Progressing has been awarded Research Project of the Year. Massive thanks to everyone who has participated in this powerful longitudinal study. Thank you also to our funders The Nuffield Foundation and the donor who wishes to remain  anonymous.

"The award recognises the huge impact this research is having on practice and policy, improving the lives of care experienced children and young people."