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Young people who spend unauthorised time away from care: A scoping review

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  • Harris, Lottie
  • Powell, Mary Ann
  • Moore, Tim
  • Dickson, Jessica
  • Ghani, Fatima

Abstract

Child protection systems in Australia and elsewhere are increasingly concerned about the safety and wellbeing of children and young people during time spent away from their out-of-home care (OOHC) placements without permission from their workers or carers. To better understand the nature of existing literature, we conducted a scoping review to identify the characteristics of children and young people who ‘self-place’, the reasons for them spending time away and their needs and experiences during such periods. Our review covered international academic and grey literature written in English and published between 2013–2023. A total of 24 peer reviewed studies and seven grey literature reports were included in the sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Harris, Lottie & Powell, Mary Ann & Moore, Tim & Dickson, Jessica & Ghani, Fatima, 2025. "Young people who spend unauthorised time away from care: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:170:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925000209
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108137
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    References listed on IDEAS

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