Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS)

Information about the study including what it involves and updates from the research.

Artwork showing silhouettes of children and adults on a green, grassy hill with a blue/grey sky in the background. Groups of black circles are nearby and between them.

The Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS) is the first large-scale prospective longitudinal study of children and young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) in Australia. Information on safety, permanency and wellbeing is collected from various sources. The child developmental domains of interest are physical health, socio-emotional wellbeing and cognitive/learning ability.

About the study

Provides new evidence to improve the outcomes for children and young people in OOHC.

Watch the study videos

For children, young people, parents, carers and stakeholders to understand what's involved.

POCLS updates

Information about workshops, conferences and publications.

Study aims

Information about the study's objectives and key research questions.

Sample and methods

Includes information about who is in the study, sample recruitment and data sources.

POCLS timeline

Timelines for sample recruitment and data collection – 2010 to 2020.

The research team

Information about the research team and advisory group.

Information for participants

For children, young people, carers, parents, caseworkers, childcare teachers and school teachers.

Information for data users

Information about access to the data, user training and publications guidelines.

Interactive dashboards

Key data tracking child development and wellbeing outcomes, services and support.

POCLS publications

Clearinghouse of all research and technical reports related to the study.

POCLS banner artwork by Billy Black. Find out more about the artwork on the About the study page.

Last updated:

03 Jul 2024