About Us

We are the national What Works Centre for Children & Families. We’re providing the answers and practical solutions that empower decision makers to improve policy and practice on family support, so the right actions are taken at the right times, and every child has the foundations they need to reach their full potential. As a What Works Centre, and proud member of the What Works Network, our work is based on the principle that high quality evidence should inform decision-making, and has a vital role in improving the lives of vulnerable children.

Our Strategy

We believe all children should have the foundational relationships they need to thrive in life. By researching and evaluating the effectiveness of family support services and interventions, we’re generating the actionable evidence needed to improve them, so more vulnerable children can live safely and happily at home and lead happier, healthier lives.

Our priority Areas

Our work is primarily focused across five areas where we have the best opportunity and potential to make an impact in improving the lives of children and families.
Jo Casebourne

Dr Jo Casebourne

Chief Executive

compressed-1706695955Donna Molloy

Donna Molloy

Deputy Chief Executive

Aoife O'Higgins

Dr Aoife O’Higgins

Director of Evidence

Experts by Experience Panel

Sadia

Sadia

Omari

Omari

team-icon.png

Michael

equality, diversity, inclusion and equity

Our goal is to be a leader in all aspects of equality, diversity, inclusion, and equity (EDIE), and we actively encourage decision makers to implement policies, systems and practices which fully reflect the diversity of society. We are committed to considering what can be learnt about racial disparity in every study we carry out. We will speak up for families who experience racial discrimination and use evidence about what works to call for change.

Evaluation partners

Our Evaluation Partners play a pivotal role in our work to build the evidence base around children and families, by designing and running independent evaluations of projects that are supported and funded by Foundations.

Want to join our team?

See our current vacancies

Looking to speak to us about something?

Contact Foundations

Cost ratings:

Rated 1: Set up and delivery is low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of less than £100.

Rated 2: Set up and delivery is medium-low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £100–£499.

Rated 3: Set up and delivery is medium cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £500–£999.

Rated 4: Set up and delivery is medium-high cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £1,000–£2,000.

Rating 5: Set up and delivery is high cost. Equivalent to an estimated unit cost of more than £2,000.

Set up and delivery cost is not applicable, not available, or has not been calculated.

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Child Outcomes:

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Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing child maltreatment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Enhancing school achievement & employment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing crime, violence and antisocial behaviour: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing substance abuse: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing risky sexual behaviour & teen pregnancy: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing obesity and promoting healthy physical development: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Evidence ratings:

Rated 2: Has preliminary evidence of improving a child outcome from a quantitative impact study, but there is not yet evidence of causal impact.

Rated 2+: Meets the level 2 rating and the best available evidence is based on a study which is more rigorous than a level 2 standard but does not meet the level 3 standard.

Rated 3: Has evidence of a short-term positive impact from at least one rigorous study.

Rated 3+: Meets the level 3 rating and has evidence from other studies with a comparison group at level 2 or higher.

Rated 4: Has evidence of a long-term positive impact through at least two rigorous studies.

Rated 4+: Meets the level 4 rating and has at least a third study contributing to the Level 4 rating, with at least one of the studies conducted independently of the intervention provider.

Rating has a *: The evidence base includes mixed findings i.e., studies suggesting positive impact alongside studies, which on balance, indicate no effect or negative impact.

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