Living in Temporary Care: Children's Experiences of Placement Instability in Out‐of‐Home Care—A Thematic Synthesis of a Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Placement stability is a central objective in out‐of‐home care, yet many children experience repeated re‐placements. While previous research has largely focused on predictors and outcomes of placement instability, children's own experiences of transient care trajectories remain less explored. This article presents an original thematic synthesis of research on children's experiences of placement instability in out‐of‐home care, drawing on a subset of 31 primary studies identified through a broader scoping review of 194 peer ‐ reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. The findings show that children experience placement instability as a profound disruption characterized by loss of relationships, emotional distress, feelings of rejection and limited predictability in everyday life. Repeated moves undermine trust, belonging and relational continuity. Limited access to information and minimal involvement in decision‐making emerged as recurring concerns. Conversely, stable relationships with at least one consistent and supportive adult, alongside meaningful participation, were identified as key protective factors. The findings underline the importance of prioritizing relational continuity, predictable care arrangements and genuine child participation in social work practice aimed at reducing the harmful effects of placement instability.