There has been an increasing interest in the well-being of children and young people in care in recent years, with research identifying a range of poor outcomes, including poor mental health. It is unclear whether the ‘looked after’ status of children and young people has an effect on how long they have to wait to access mental health treatment. It is also equally unclear what the levels of engagement are by young people across different mental health support services.

My research questions are:

1. What are the mental health needs of children and young people in care in Wales?
   a. How are these needs being met?
   b. What are the services being offered?
   c. What are the levels of engagement by young people across different services?
2. What effect do multiple placements have on the treatment that young people may be receiving?
   a. When moving between placements, what information are young people given about support in their new area?

My research will use a mixed methods design, using quantitative analysis of datasets to inform current mental health needs of young people in care and qualitative methods will be used to examine multiple parties’ opinions regarding services and how placement moves may affect access to services.