Secure children’s homes – how do we know if they work?

Purpose This paper aims to examine the need for outcome research in secure children’s homes, explaining the problems for young people and how we can remedy this. Design/methodology/approach This is a discussion paper raising issues of importance as to who these children are, what is provided and how well they work in providing what is a very expensive service. Findings There is a great need to investigate the efficacy of secure children’s homes by assessing outcomes. Originality/value As far as the authors are aware, this topic has not been previously discussed in academic journals.