Research and analysis

Family Routes: data analysis – methodology and core sample

Report providing an overview of the methodology for data analysis strand and an outline of the core sample of children and young people.

Applies to England

Documents

Family Routes: analysis of DfE administrative data methodological paper and core sample

Details

Family Routes is a longitudinal study intended to track the needs, experiences and outcomes of children leaving care on an adoption order (AO) or special guardianship order (SGO) in England.

The data analysis strand examines Department for Education administrative data from 2002 to 2023 to examine long-term outcomes for children in permanence placements.

This report outlines the methodology for the data analysis and the characteristics of the whole core sample of children and young people, including their experiences while in care, and an overview of risk and protective factors.

Family Routes: children who returned to care is also available.

Updates to this page

Published 25 September 2025

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