Exploring needs, costs and outcomes of services provided to vulnerable children and their families

This overarching chapter for a PhD by publication brings together a programme of research that commenced in 2000 and includes a series of eight publications (from 2006-2014) that have been selected to demonstrate the development of a theoretical framework and research methods to explore the relationship between the needs, costs and outcomes of child welfare services provided to vulnerable children and their families. The findings provide an insight into how children s social care services can be provided as effectively and efficiently as possible. Along with an understanding of how and when support and services are, or can be, provided to vulnerable children and their families, in response to their specific needs and circumstances and consequently transform children s lives by improving outcomes.