You want to use research-based strategies to care for children and families.
Diving into scientific research can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing where to begin and identifying what's important. We have carefully curated a collection of our latest peer-reviewed published research just for you.
Whether you work with vulnerable children or provide support to families, we aim to provide you with the knowledge and tools to confidently provide research-based care. Let us guide you on your journey towards better understanding and implementing research in your program’s everyday practices.
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Published Research Studies
A collection of our latest published research, organized by topic to ensure you can access information that is relevant and useful
Adults with Care Experience
Adults who were once children separated from parental care have experiential wisdom that can improve the care of vulnerable children today. These studies examine the perspective of adults with care experience and factors that lead to positive outcomes in this population.
Orphanhood Status and Antecedents to Placement Among a Multinational Sample of Adults with Care Experience
Childhood Adversity and Life Satisfaction in Adults with Alternative Care Experience in 12 Low- and Middle-Income Nations: The Mediating Roles of Individual and Relational Protective Factors and Resilience
Spirituality as a Protective Factor: A Multinational Study of 267 Adults Separated from Parental Care as Children
The Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Well-Being Outcomes in Emerging Adults with Care Experience
The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Health and Life Satisfaction in Adults with Care Experience: The Mediating Role of Attachment
The Relationship Between Spirituality and Resilience and Well-being: A Study of 529 Care Leavers from 11 Nations
Recommendations for Child Welfare Care Reform in the Global South: Perspectives of 542 Adults Who Were Separated from Parental Care During Childhood in 12 Nations
Transitioning to Family Care
Residential care providers are often well-positioned to transition their services to family care. However, this transition can be mysterious and intimidating for many. These studies explore the process of transitioning from a residential to a family-based model of care.
Antecedents to Child Placement in Residential Care: A Systematic Review
Bringing Donors Along on the Journey: A Preliminary Investigation of Organizational Strategies in Transitioning from Residential to Family Care for Children
Innovations in Care for Children Separated from Parents: Transitioning from Residential to Family Models of Service
Moving Towards Family Solutions: An Introduction to an Immersive Simulation Workshop
Looking for more resources on transitioning to family care? Find them here.
Rapid Unprepared Return
In response to the pandemic, some governments required residential care providers to rapidly return children to families without proper preparation for the transition. These studies examine the long-term impact of rapid unprepared return on children and families.
Placement Stability and Family Support after Government-Mandated Rapid Return: A Two-year Follow-up
Predictors of Parental Stress and Family Function One Year After Rapid Unprepared Return: A Preliminary Analysis from Five Nations
Needs in an Era of COVID-19: A Preliminary Investigation of Self-Reported Needs of Families Who Experienced Rapid Return as a Result of Government Mandates
Rapid Return of Children in Residential Care to Family as a Result of COVID-19: Scope, Challenges, and Recommendations
Short-Term Missions
Millions of people travel annually for short-term international volunteer trips intended to benefit vulnerable children. These studies explore the phenomenon of short-term international volunteering and best practices for organizations that facilitate these trips.
Participant Reflections on Short-term International Volunteering: Benefits, Concerns, and Perspective Change
The Best Intentions: An Examination of Current Practices in Short-term International Service Trips Intended to Benefit Vulnerable Children and Youth
Misguided Altruism: The Risks of Orphanage Volunteering
Looking for more resources on short-term missions? Find them here.
Children and Technology
Vulnerable children often experience increased challenges when it comes to media use. Our studies explore the connection between adversity and problematic media use to gain a better understanding of this relationship.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Problematic Media Use: Perceptions of Caregivers of High-risk Youth
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Problematic Media Use: The Roles of Attachment and Impulsivity
Looking for more resources on children and technology? Find them here.
Organizational Culture
Behind every effective program are people whose well-being shapes the quality of care they deliver. These studies explore how organizational culture and support for spiritual and emotional health influence resilience, satisfaction, and burnout among child welfare professionals. The findings point toward practical ways organizations can strengthen their teams and sustain long-term impact.
How Spiritual Support at Work Can Prevent Burnout and Improve Well-Being
COVID-19
Those who were impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic were those who were already vulnerable. These studies explore how service providers can best support vulnerable children and families during crises.
Data-Informed Recommendations for Faith Communities Desiring to Support Vulnerable Children and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Data-informed Recommendations for Service Providers Working With Vulnerable Children and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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