Linking data and lived experience to shape policy on children’s social care and homelessness in Northern Ireland

On 3 March 2026, ADR Northern Ireland hosted an event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont - Children’s Social Care and Homelessness in Northern Ireland: Connecting Data, Changing Futures. The event brought together experts by experience, policymakers, data owners, service providers and researchers to explore how using linked administrative data and lived experience can better inform policy and practice to prevent homelessness among social care experienced young people.

Sponsored by Kate Nicholl, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), the event featured presentations from ADR NI Co-Director Dr Aideen Maguire and researcher Dr Sarah McKenna, as well as a panel discussion with representatives from VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care), government departments and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A key focus was not only sharing insights from new ADR NI research that examines the links between childhood contact with social care and youth homelessness in Northern Ireland but also elevating the voices of care experienced young people. An engaging animation, designed and narrated by the young people, was premiered to help make the research findings more accessible to a broader audience.

An expert by experience from Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) said:

All young people should have the same opportunities regardless of their living situation. 

Attendees discussed how administrative data and lived experience can be used to support prevention efforts. By bringing data-driven evidence into conversations along with young people’s perspectives and policymakers’ priorities, the event showcased the value of a joined-up approach to addressing complex social challenges like homelessness.

Kate Nicholl, MLA and Chair of the All Party Group on Policy and Public Data, said:

One of the most important messages emerging from this research, reinforced by the voices of young people with lived experience, is that homelessness among social care-experienced young people is not an individual failing. Rather it reflects wider systemic issues - gaps in support, challenges in transitions, and missed opportunities for intervention.

The event demonstrated the potential of administrative data research to inform strategic decisions and service improvements across the health, social care and homelessness sectors.

Dr Aideen Maguire, Co-Director of ADR NI said:

This research shines a long overdue light on the factors associated with homelessness risk in young people known to social services in Northern Ireland. And it did so by using data and information that service providers already had. Linked administrative data research is an integral tool to better inform policy and practice, and co-production with the young people ensures these data represent appropriate and accurate interpretation and representation, working together to improve outcomes for all.

Copies of the research report were made available to attendees and the report and animation are now being shared publicly to support ongoing dialogue and action.

Read the full report

Watch the animation

For further information, contact Dr Sarah McKenna (s.mckenna@qub.ac.uk).