Mental health study for children and young people in care
Published: March 16, 2026
We're working with the University of Canterbury on a study to learn more about the mental health needs of children and young people in care.
This study is an important opportunity to understand and help improve mental health support for children and young people in care.
Between April and July 2026, caregivers of selected 5 to17 year old children in care will be contacted by the University research team to take part in the study.
Caregivers will answer questions about a child or young person in their care. Young people aged 12 to 17 will also be invited to answer survey questions themselves.
Participation is voluntary.
All information is confidential, and no one will be identified in the research data or reporting.
Page update
We published this page on 16 March 2026. We updated it on 16 July 2026.