ReThink study on mental health and wellbeing in adopted children

Flyer on ReThink study – available here

Summary of ReThink study – available here.

Please find above information about a new England & Wales study called the ReThink project. ReThink is set to be the largest UK study of its kind, co-developed with care-experienced young people, and focused on unpacking what drives mental health and wellbeing in children adopted from local authority care, and those currently looked after. This includes exploring service-level (e.g., social care, education), social support-level, and individual/psychological processes that drive outcomes. The goal is that this information will allow researchers to identify and develop higher quality interventions and support programmes, across the social care, education and mental health fields. The project is particularly focused on improving evidence over two key transitions, including the move into early adulthood (i.e. turning 18). There are various training and development opportunities for services and organisations involved in the programme.

The research team are currently working with approximately 15 LAs and are now recruiting adoption agencies and other organisations supporting adoptive families. Organisations are being asked to promote the ReThink programme by sharing information with their networks, including details about how adopted 17-year-olds (and their parents) can register their interest to take part. Please contact the research team if you would be interested in supporting this project and to find out more. Email: Bethan Carter  carterbr2@cardiff.ac.uk (researcher) or Professor Lisa Holmes ljh54@sussex.ac.uk (leading the study).