The 10 insights were developed as part of an NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West and Centre for Academic Primary Care project, in collaboration with Changing Futures Bristol and a range of experts at various universities. The team looked at how families can be better supported during care proceedings, where decisions are made about whether children can safely stay at home.
Parents whose children are at risk of being taken into care often have complex health and social care needs such as substance use challenges, domestic violence, mental ill health, homelessness or have been through the criminal justice system. Services such as social care, health and voluntary organisations do not always work together in a clear or co-ordinated way. Evidence about what support works best for families is limited.
The project involved nearly 300 people who took part in discussions between July 2024 and August 2025. These included social workers, health professionals, voluntary sector staff and parents who have experienced having their children taken into care.
From these conversations, the research team identified the 10 key areas for improvement:
- Better coordination between services
- Providing support that recognises the impact of past trauma and avoids further harm for both families and staff
- Improving cultural understanding
- Offering more advocacy and peer support for parents
- Providing ongoing support after care proceedings end
- Enabling more involvement of fathers and wider family members
- Intervening earlier when families are struggling
- Providing better support for substance use issues
- Building stronger links between health services
- A greater focus on staff wellbeing.
Dr Michelle Farr, Senior Research Fellow, Qualitative Research, NIHR ARC West and Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, said: "This project brought together research, professional experience and lived experience to guide future research and service improvement. Acting on these insights could help services work more effectively together, reduce harm, build trust with families and better support both children and parents through the care system."
Download the insights and agenda setting report published by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme: Support for families through care proceedings: developing integrated, evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches.
The 10 insights have been illustrated by Camille Aubry. Download Camille's illustration.
