Children in care who experience multiple placement changes are more than twice as likely to experience mental health difficulties, according to new research led by the University of Bath.

The study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, is the first meta-analysis to examine the link between placement changes and mental health in this group. Drawing on data from 15 UK studies involving nearly 7,000 care-experienced children and young people, the researchers found a clear link between frequent placement changes and mental health difficulties, including self-harm, behavioural difficulties, and psychiatric diagnoses.

Moving between foster homes or other placements is a common experience for children in care, with around one in three facing at least one move each year. Researchers suggest that this instability likely contributes to the high level of mental health need in this group, with nearly half of children in care living with a mental health disorder. A national shortage of foster carers further worsens the problem, meaning more children are placed in temporary or unsuitable accommodation, including hostels or shared housing.

Lead author Cody Varnish, from Bath’s Department of Psychology, said:

“The system is failing at its duty to promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children. Our review clearly shows that experiences in care can themselves exacerbate mental health difficulties. Providing children in care with the safety, stability, and emotional security they need to thrive means addressing the crisis of placement instability.”

Senior author Dr Katherine Button said:

“The relationship between placement changes and mental health can create a vicious cycle. Children with existing mental health difficulties may find it harder to adjust to a new home, which can increase the likelihood of further moves. Breaking this cycle requires timely, targeted support for both children and their carers.”

Senior author Professor Sarah Halligan added:

“Early support can make a real difference in preventing difficulties from escalating. Children from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to placement instability in care, so services need to be designed with these groups in mind.”

The researchers are calling for more accessible mental health support for care-experienced individuals, better support for foster carers, and stronger collaboration between local authorities and mental health services. They stress the importance of reducing unnecessary moves and, where possible, supporting families so children can remain safely at home.