Improving sport opportunities, participation, and experiences for children in out-of-home care: A mixed-methods study

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.

We aimed to establish carers' recommendations for improving children in care's participation and experiences in sport.

Overall, 42 foster and kinship carers in Western Australia participated in the study. Data were collected via online surveys and interviews.

We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods.

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.

This work provides guidance for increasing participation in sport for children in care, and maximising opportunities for physical, psychological, and social development.