Scotland’s most vulnerable children are the focus of a groundbreaking study that just received a major funding boost. Led by the University of Stirling, the Permanently Progressing? project has been awarded £700,000 to track looked after young people through their teen years and into early adulthood, starting in 2026.
This new phase builds on years of research that has already shaped policies on child care in Scotland. Researchers aim to uncover long-term outcomes for these kids, offering insights that could improve support systems across the country.
Background on the Permanently Progressing? Study
The study began in 2014 and follows a group of 1,836 children who entered care in Scotland as toddlers between 2012 and 2013. Experts from the University of Stirling and Lancaster University have led the effort, making it the largest of its kind in the UK.
Over the past decade, the project has examined how these children move through foster care, kinship care, and adoption. It highlights the challenges they face in finding stable homes.
This research comes at a time when Scotland is pushing hard to reduce child poverty. Recent government reports show that policies like the Scottish Child Payment have lifted tens of thousands of kids out of hardship, but gaps remain for those in care.
The study’s focus on permanence, or long-term stable placements, addresses a key issue. Many children wait years for a forever home, which affects their emotional and educational growth.
Key Findings from Earlier Phases
Phase 1, from 2014 to 2018, looked at the children’s early experiences before and just after entering care. It found that pre-care instability often led to longer times in temporary setups.
Phase 2, running from 2020 to 2024, checked in during middle childhood. Results showed an average wait of over two years for a permanent home, with more than one in 10 still in limbo after a decade.
These findings earned the project the Research Project of the Year award at the 2025 Herald Higher Education Awards. They have influenced social care practices, pushing for faster placements and better sibling contact.
Here are some standout statistics from the first two phases:
- Average time to permanence: More than 24 months
- Temporary placements after 10 years: Over 10 percent of children
- Sibling separation: Common in many cases, leading to emotional strain
Experts say these numbers reveal systemic delays that harm development. For instance, children in unstable care often face higher risks of mental health issues as they grow.
The research also ties into broader trends. A 2024 report noted that Scotland’s vulnerable children sometimes wait years for homes, echoing global concerns about care systems.
Details of the New Funding Boost
The latest funding totals £700,000, with £500,000 from the Nuffield Foundation and £200,000 from a private donor. This will support Phase 3 from 2026 to 2030.
The money allows for in-depth tracking of the same group, now entering their teens. Researchers plan to use surveys, interviews, and data analysis to build a full picture of their lives.
This comes amid other investments in Scottish education and child welfare. For example, recent government budgets have allocated millions to mental health support for young people, including those in care.
The funding reflects growing recognition of the study’s value. It positions Scotland as a leader in understanding long-term care outcomes, potentially guiding policies elsewhere in the UK.
What Phase 3 Will Explore
Phase 3 shifts focus to adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period for these young people. It will examine education, employment, relationships, and health as they transition out of care.
Researchers expect to identify patterns, like how early stability affects later success. This could reveal needs for better support during teen years, such as mentoring or job training.
The project will also look at external factors, including economic pressures. With child poverty rates in Scotland dropping due to initiatives like the Scottish Child Payment, the study will assess if these help care-experienced youth.
By 2030, the data could inform new laws or programs. For instance, it might push for extended support beyond age 18, addressing gaps in current systems.
This phase sets up future research, creating a lifelong view of these children’s journeys.
Impact on Policy and Practice in Scotland
The study’s findings have already changed how social workers approach placements. Policies now emphasize quicker decisions and family connections to reduce trauma.
In 2026, with ongoing debates on education funding and local government finances, this research adds urgency. A recent report warned that without action, many councils may struggle to support vulnerable kids.
Experts praise the project for its real-world impact. It has led to training programs for carers and better monitoring of child outcomes.
Looking ahead, Phase 3 could influence national strategies. For example, it might support calls for more funding in youth mental health, tying into Scotland’s goal of halving child poverty by 2030.
| Phase | Years | Focus | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2014-2018 | Pre-care and early outcomes | Highlighted instability effects |
| Phase 2 | 2020-2024 | Middle childhood | Revealed long waits for homes |
| Phase 3 | 2026-2030 | Adolescence to adulthood | Tracks long-term life paths |
Broader Context and Future Outlook
Scotland’s efforts to protect vulnerable children fit into global trends. Worldwide, studies show early intervention saves costs and improves lives, with sensitive parenting reducing future expenses by up to 13 times.
Recent events, like a £10 million boost for child poverty initiatives announced in early 2026, show commitment. Yet challenges persist, including funding shortfalls in higher education and local services.
This study could inspire similar research elsewhere, helping more kids thrive. As Scotland navigates economic pressures, insights from Permanently Progressing? will be vital.
What do you think about this funding and its potential impact? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to raise awareness about vulnerable children in Scotland.
