Schools that Care: A review of linkages between children’s education and care

This study explores the under-recognized link between education and children’s care. The evidence carried out in this study – a literature review and informant interviews – suggest that a lack of access to quality education is a key cause of inadequate care.

Many children enter care in order to access education that is not available to them in their local communities. In many cases, this can lead to an improvement in the child’s education. However, the traumatic nature of separation from family and the often low quality of institutional care, can result in a negative outcome for the child in terms of education and care.

The study makes a series of recommendations, mainly that education, child protection, and care sectors must urgently collaborate to achieve the child’s right to education, adequate care, and protection.