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Our Research
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- Project 1: Development of the capacity of the Tusla Case Management: Child Protection, Alternative Care (TCM CPAC) system to dynamically track the individual pathways of children in care
- Project Two: A cross-sectional study of young people who left care 10 years ago
- Project Three: A longitudinal study of children in care over a 10-year period, commencing when they are aged 16 years
- Project Four: Bespoke studies about children in care and aftercare to provide timely knowledge about their circumstances
The Programme consists of four inter-related projects.
Project 1: Development of the capacity of the Tusla Case Management: Child Protection, Alternative Care (TCM CPAC) system to dynamically track the individual pathways of children in care
This project involves the uses of statistical analysis to identify discrete pathways of children and young people in the Irish care system to develop a better understanding of their care journeys over time. This project commenced in 2025, and a report of the current phase is expected in the summer of 2026.
Project Two: A cross-sectional study of young people who left care 10 years ago
This research study, led by Trinity College Dublin and the University of Sussex will gather the views and experiences of adults who have lived in the Irish care system, to shed light on how the care leaving process unfolds over time and the factors, events and experiences that influence pathways and outcomes. The project was commissioned in 2023, and the report of the study’s findings is expected in the autumn of 2026.
Project Three: A longitudinal study of children in care over a 10-year period, commencing when they are aged 16 years
Work is currently underway to plan for a national longitudinal study of children as they prepare to leave care. This study will follow participants over a ten-year period.
Project Four: Bespoke studies about children in care and aftercare to provide timely knowledge about their circumstances
Bespoke studies are commissioned from time to time to inform the Programme in relation to different experiences children and young people have in care and aftercare. Current studies under this project include:
- A Study on Factors Affecting the Retention and Attrition of Foster Carers. This research was commissioned in 2024, and a report of the findings was published in July 2026.
- A Study on the Career and Education Journeys of Care-Experienced Young Adults. This research was commissioned in 2025, and a report of the findings was published in July 2026.
- A literature review looking at practices in Special (Secure) Care. This research was commissioned in 2026, and a report of the findings is expected later in the year.