The focus of this literature review is on the experiences of children and young people in care and adults who have left care In Ireland, and the research /consultation processes used to capture their views. The purpose of the review was to identify lessons arising for the future development, design and implementation of research in this area and to support the deliberations of a Working Group established by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) which was tasked with making a recommendation to the Minister on research and data initiatives to improve our understanding of the lives of children in care and leaving care.

The review was guided by four key questions

1.  What do we know from Irish empirical research about conducting research with or about children and young people who are or have been in care?
2.  What do we know from this research about their experiences and outcomes, and the factors associated with these experiences and outcomes?
3. To what extent have the voices of children and young people themselves been heard in this research?
4. What key lessons for future research arise from these issues?

The primary focus of the review was on published empirical Irish research, particularly over the last ten years, relating to the care system, children in care, young people using aftercare services and or young people who have left care.

The review also draws on relevant consultations with children and young people, and some high level insights from the international literature to provide a wider context of knowledge in the field. The findings are set out in the context of current services and available administrative data on children and young people in care and or aftercare; findings from an analytical review of court reporting by the Child Law Project; and a brief outline of a review of the Child Care Act 1991 and plans for amendments. Material for inclusion in the review was identified up to a cut-off point of March 2022. Drafts were peer reviewed before finalisation and publication.