The role of Care System factors in predicting outcomes for Children in Care

The review sought to establish and evaluate the range of approaches used by researchers in educational, psychological and social service fields in measuring children's outcomes.

Six studies included identified various outcome measures against which to compare participant's overall success through the care system.

These included educational attainment (Jackson & Martin 1999; Martin & Jackson 2002; Raw 2005), 'resiliency' as outcome (Johnson-Garner & Meyers 2003; Cashmore & Paxman 2006) and general mental health and well-being (Dixon, 2007).

Use of educational attainment as outcome proved a tangible and relevant outcome against which to measure children's progress. Focusing purely on educational attainment however, was felt by the reviewer to limit the scope of true outcomes children might achieve.

No papers reviewed looked at children currently within the care system and as such, this was an area suggested for further research.

A focus on children's mental health and well-being as outcome was suggested, as an area of current national priority and one lacking focus from the studies reviewed.