Mapping the evidence on outcomes of childhood out-of-home care: A scoping review of reviews.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children placed in out-of-home care in high-income countries face complex challenges due to exposure to adverse childhood experiences and systemic disadvantages. While research on their outcomes has grown, the evidence base remains fragmented. An overview of review-level evidence was conducted to identify patterns, gaps, and priorities for future research and practice.

Methods

A scoping review of reviews was conducted. Peer-reviewed review articles published between January 2013 and July 2024 were identified through searches in databases including EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Epistemonikos. Eligible reviews focused on childhood out-of-home care experience and reported outcomes for care-experienced individuals (assessed either i

SUBMITTER: Opoku R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12935228 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature