Simpson, Aaron, Budden, Timothy, Willis, Claire, Dimmock, James, Lin, Ashleigh, Thornton, Ashleigh L., Furzer, Bonnie, Jeftic, Ivan, Rosenberg, Michael, and Jackson, Ben (2025) Improving sport opportunities, participation, and experiences for children in out-of-home care: A mixed-methods study. Child Abuse and Neglect, 165. 107476.

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Abstract

Background: Participation in sport is associated with a range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. However, children in out-of-home care face complex barriers to sport participation, with lower participation rates than children in other household arrangements. Objective: We aimed to establish carers' recommendations for improving children in care's participation and experiences in sport. Participants and setting: Overall, 42 foster and kinship carers in Western Australia participated in the study. Data were collected via online surveys and interviews. Methods: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: Analyses revealed three key recommendations—with accompanying implementation strategies—for policymakers, researchers, peak sporting bodies, and sporting organisations: (1) inclusive practices should be embedded in existing sport programs; (2) education for sport program providers should be developed; and (3) support for carers to facilitate sport participation for children in care should be provided. Conclusions: This work provides guidance for increasing participation in sport for children in care, and maximising opportunities for physical, psychological, and social development.

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