Lead researcher: Prof Amy Conley -Wright (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

Young people who go missing or run away from their out-of-home care placements can become particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Focusing on NSW, this project will explore how these youth interact with services, including education, health, and housing. Providing a well-rounded perspective on the experience of children and young people who run away from care, the researchers will review existing literature and data sets, speak with stakeholders in the social services sector, and pursue the use of linked administrative data. The aim is to influence government strategies for these vulnerable young people and inform budget allocation for targeted prevention and early intervention..