CARELINK Wales
CARELINK Wales is a research project led by HDR UK Wales in collaboration with the Centre for Population Health (CPH), bringing together leading experts from Swansea University, Bangor University, Public Health Wales, Cardiff University, and the University of Manchester.
Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the project will use linked Welsh data to better understand the factors influencing care entry and outcomes for vulnerable children. By analysing health, education, and social care records, researchers aim to support evidence-based policies and services that improve the lives of children and families in Wales.
CARELINK Wales will focus on:
- Identifying key risk factors, such as deprivation, disability, and parental substance abuse, that may lead to children entering care.
- Comparing outcomes for children with similar risk factors who enter care versus those who remain at home.
- Co-producing research with charities, parents, and children to ensure diverse perspectives and real-world impact.
This work aligns with CPH’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. By working with families and using real-world data, the project will help develop more informed, compassionate, and effective policies to support vulnerable children in Wales.
Publications:
Mapping the evidence on outcomes of childhood out-of-home care: A scoping review of reviews
Preprint:
Mapping the Evidence on Outcomes of Childhood Out-of-Home Care: A Scoping Review of Reviews
Reports:
Public Involvement in Quantitative Child Welfare Research: Design, Impact and Reflections. May 2026