The aims of the study were to review trends in out-of-home care, both in the numbers of children being placed in different types of care in Australia and in the ways of organising and supporting such care that are emerging in different national and State contexts. The study also involved identifying emerging models of care and the drivers of change, and reviewing evidence on the outcomes of different models. 

The research involved a review of recent literature from Australia and the main English-speaking countries overseas; analysis of policy documents relating to fostering and kinship care in the states and territories of Australia; and informal discussions with policy informants and practitioners in Australia and overseas.

Child protection has been characterised historically by pendulum swings in policy between emphasis on family maintenance and on child removal. Nevertheless, the underlying priority in most jurisdictions is now to keep children with their original family wherever possible. If children are placed in care, the goal is ultimately to reunite them with their families where appropriate. To this end a range of family support programs exist that seek to prevent separation. Where removal from the original family is seen as necessary, placement within the wider family or community is the preferred option, particularly for Indigenous children.

The out-of-home care systems in Australian States and Territories are facing challenges in line with those of many other OECD countries. All have experienced an increase in the number of children entering out-of-home care, and many of these children are presenting with increasingly complex and challenging behaviours. There has been a decline in residential placements without a parallel increase in alternative placement options. Most States and Territories are having difficulties attracting and retaining foster carers.