A novel analysis of anonymised national data, e-casefiles and interviews with family justice professionals on the discharge of care order

One of the most significant state sanctioned interventions in England and Wales is removing a child from the care of their parents. When children are placed on a care order, it limits the powers a parent has to make decisions about their child and may mean that the child moves to live with foster or kinship carers, or to a residential children’s home. Placing a child on a care order has a lasting impact on the child and their family and is rightly the subject of much political and social debate.

In terms of research, a great deal is known about the process, experiences and outcomes for children who are in care. However, we know very little about how, when and why care orders are ended – a process known as discharge (i.e. the discharging of the care order). Whether a care order remains in place or is discharged is a crucial decision: discharging a care order too early means that a child may not get the support and protection they need. Not discharging the care order means that families may experience unwarranted social work intervention and feel stigmatised or labelled. Keeping a child in care unnecessarily also uses up social worker and state time and resources, which could be better used supporting other children.

This webinar presents findings from the first national study of the discharge of care orders in England and Wales, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. The study draws three data sources together: newly available anonymised national data on discharge applications; in-depth analysis of 220 court e-casefile records; and interviews and a focus group with 41 professionals including social workers, judges and guardians.

Based on these findings, the research team propose a new typology of discharge applications and a series of recommendations that aim to make the discharge applications more timely, inclusive and effective for everyone involved.

With an introduction by Professor Emeritus Judith Masson FAcSS K.C. (Hon) and reflections by legal and social work professionals, this webinar provides an opportunity to learn about key findings from the study and to discuss key implications for policy and practice.

Research team: Jo Staines, Beth Stone, Jessica Roy, Judith Masson, Gillian Macdonald, Ludivine Garside, Helen Hodges

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This webinar will take place over Zoom, the joining details will be emailed to you the day before the event. Places are free but must be booked via Eventbrite.

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