Research at AFKA Scotland
AFKA Scotland’s research team is involved in a number of research projects across Scotland, and provides regular updates to members about new and emerging Scottish, UK and international research developments. Our researchers also provide specialist input for all our Forums and Consortia. Members who are looking for research to help inform thinking, planning and decision-making in practice or policy-making can contact AFKA Scotland for information and advice.
Our researchers work with a range of universities and academic partners, including recent collaborations with the Universities of Stirling, Strathclyde, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Lancaster. They are also part of a range of other research networks, including the CoramBAAF Research Group Advisory Committee.
Explore our Research Projects:
- Permanently Progressing? Building secure futures for children in Scotland An ongoing, longitudinal cohort study investigating decision making, permanence, progress, outcomes and belonging.
- Disruption of adoption and permanent fostering placements: a Scottish perspective A study analysing the disruption minutes of meetings held following the unplanned ending of permanent placements.
- Supporting Roots An examination of support available for birth parents in Scotland.
- Children Moving Between UK Nations A study exploring the considerations and challenges when children are placed for adoption from elsewhere in the UK with families in Scotland.
- STAR (siblings reunited) project evaluation An evidence-based process evaluation of STAR, the only specialist service in Scotland offering support with family time together for brothers and sisters.
- TESSA (Therapeutic, Education and Support Services in Adoption) service evaluation A study evaluating TESSA, due to be completed in 2023.
- Moving Images: using video clips in finding adoptive families for children A practice guide sharing best practices when using video.
- FACE 19: Families and Children’s Experiences of Covid 19 A rapid research study exploring how the pandemic and related restrictions affected the wellbeing of children, parents/carers and the workers who support them.
Additional Research Resources:
Additional useful resources, including subscription to Adoption & Fostering journal and online access to the Journal of Social Work and Qualitative Social Work, are also available to AFKA Scotland’s corporate members as part of the collaborative agreement with CoramBAAF, via the CoramBAAF website.