Research and analysis

Family Routes: exploring the needs and experiences of young people

This report explores the needs, experiences and outcomes of young people (aged 12 to 25) growing up in adoptive and special guardianship families.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 29 January 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Family Routes: exploring needs, experiences and outcomes among young people growing up in adoption and special guardianship

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-742-2 , RR1593

PDF, 1.32 MB, 127 pages

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.

This is the second in a series of reports drawing on in-depth interviews with 74 families and young people:

• 40 adoptive families
• 34 special guardianship families

This report examines the circumstances and experiences that impact on the well-being, health and outcomes of young people who have grown up in adoptive and special guardianship families.

Published 29 January 2026