Cordis Bright was commissioned by the All Wales Heads of Children's Services, ADSS and WLGA to examine why local authorities with similar levels of need have different numbers of looked after children. The research report highlights five main aspects affecting rates of looked after children. These are:

• Strategy and leadership
• Prevention and early intervention
• Approach to practice
• Partnership working
• Information and intelligence on performance

Further information about the project is available here.