Abstract

A cohort of nearly 11,000 persons was traced over 8 years to determine those who had moved from family care and those who had remained. The majority (85%) continued to live with families, and, for two thirds (67%), no future move was deemed necessary. The 2 main predictors of moving were as follows: A need had been previously recorded and the family had used out-of-home respite services during the 8 years. However, just one quarter of those identified as needing to move had done so in the 8 years. Conversely, no prior indication of need had been recorded for two thirds of people who had moved in this period. The complexities of assessing need and equitably meeting demands are discussed.