Social Care (definition)
Like health research, the scope of social care research is broad, and includes both children’s social care and adult social care. Social care research investigates the provision of personal and practical care and support that adults may need because of their age, illness, cognition, disability or other circumstances, and spans research into the provision of formal care and that provided informally, often by family members. It encompasses provision sourced by individuals on a self-funded basis, as well as that provided by, or commissioned by, bodies such as local authorities. Children’s social care research investigates the provision of services to children in need, for example those who are in need by reason of disability or whose families need help to provide adequate care. Social care research also examines issues pertaining to the safeguarding of adults and children, workforce issues, and questions about organisational and professional practice, including decision-making, training and the quality of care services.