![Nina Maxwell CPsychol AFBPsS](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/7257?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Nina Maxwell
CPsychol AFBPsS
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Nina Maxwell
Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE
Overview
I am a chartered psychologist and mixed methods researcher with interests in three areas: adolescence, workforce development and private family law. I am speciality co-lead for social care research in Wales .
My research on Youth, Society and Risk focuses on improving the outcomes for young people. I have undertaken numerous research and evaluation studies across a range of areas including adoption, child criminal exploitation, father engagement, home education, and youth violence. I am currently leading a study on the referral pathways and service outcomes for criminally exploited young people in Wales.
My research on workforce development has included evaluative research fast track training programmes for social workers and studies on specific interventions, such as Video Interaction Guidance.
Finally, I have conducted several evidence reviews in private family law, e.g. shared parenting, and parental alienation. More recently, I conducted a research study on the development of Supporting Separating Families Alliances in Wales.
Publication
2025
- Corten, C. et al. 2025. Numbers and demographic characteristics of UK social work students over time. Social Work Education (10.1080/02615479.2025.2531855)
- Maxwell, N. 2025. Exploring notions of victimhood through the narratives of criminally exploited children. Presented at: European Conference for Social Work Research 2025 Munich, Germany 12-14 March 2025.
- Maxwell, N. 2025. “'Yes, but there are other children who are actually being abused”: Using simulation to examine how professionals identify and respond to child criminal exploitation.. Presented at: European Society of Criminology Athens, Greece 03-06 September 2025.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2025. It’s going to change my practice: the secondary impact of a simulated case file exploration on professional decision making. Presented at: EUSARF: European Scientific Association On Residential And Family Care For Children And Adolescents. Zagreb, Croatia 8 -12 September 2025.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2025. Using Sankey diagrams to visually depict the service journeys of criminally exploited children. Presented at: ADR Conference: From records to research: Harnessing administrative data to enhance lives Cardiff, Wales 17-18 September 2025.
- Varnish, C. et al., 2025. The relationship between placement instability and mental health among careexperienced children and young people: a UK systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry (10.1192/bjp.2025.10375)
2024
- Maxwell, N. 2024. Quality of life as a basis for system change. Social Work and Social Sciences Review 25 (1), pp.65-69. (10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2297)
- Maxwell, N. 2024. 'Shove that. There’s always hope': Young people’s lived experience of child criminal exploitation. Journal of Youth Studies (10.1080/13676261.2024.2397025)
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2024. I am not going to lie; some people do not even want to talk: Co-design with vulnerable groups affected by child criminal exploitation. Children & Society 38 (5), pp.1692-1713. (10.1111/chso.12833)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2024. Improving children's services engagement of fathers in child protection: logic model for an organisational development and staff training intervention. International Journal on Child Maltreatment 7 , pp.607-614. (10.1007/s42448-024-00206-y)
2023
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2023. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service Evaluation. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/SOCEIS-Evaluation-2023.pdf.
- Rees, A. et al. 2023. Fostering wellbeing: placing foster carers centre stage. Adoption and Fostering 47 (4), pp.453-470. (10.1177/03085759231208460)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2023. Retention in statutory social work from fast-track child and family programmes. Journal of Social Work 23 (6), pp.1022-1042. (10.1177/14680173231194432)
2022
- Corliss, C. et al. 2022. The views of local authorities in England on how to prevent children being in care. Child Care in Practice 28 (4), pp.576-592. (10.1080/13575279.2021.1975648)
- Maxwell, N. 2022. I'm trying to save my family: Parent experiences of child criminal exploitation. Youth Justice 23 (2), pp.243-258. (10.1177/14732254221122559)
- Maxwell, N. 2022. Using programme theory to identify the key elements of the Frontline programme. Social Work Education 41 (5), pp.926-942. (10.1080/02615479.2021.1903415)
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. Child criminal exploitation: working with parents rather than against them.. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminology Malaga, Spain 21-24 September 2022.
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. ‘Walking the walk’: Peer mentoring in a youth diversion service. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminolog Malaga, Spain 21-24 September 2022.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2022. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service: Interim Evaluation Report. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Serious-Organised-Crime-Early-Intervention-Service-Evaluation-Report.pdf.
- Rees, A. et al. 2022. Visiting mum: children's perspectives on a supported scheme when visiting their mother in prison. Child Care in Practice 28 (3), pp.247-262. (10.1080/13575279.2020.1769025)
2021
- Maxwell, N. and Wallace, C. 2021. Child criminal exploitation in Wales.
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2021. Social work fast-track programmes: Retention and progression. Final report. Project Report.[Online].Department for Education, UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-work-fast-track-programmes-tracking-study.
2020
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2020. Professional responses to 'parental alienation': research-informed practice. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law 42 (1), pp.68-79. (10.1080/09649069.2020.1701938)
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Good practice in youth violence prevention: A mapping and horizon scanning review.
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Implementing co-productive practice with public services: messages from the research.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2020. Home education for children with additional learning needs – a better choice or the only option?. Educational Review 72 (4), pp.427-442. (10.1080/00131911.2018.1532955)
- Rees, A. , Casserly, N. and Maxwell, N. 2020. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2020. Social work fast track programmes: tracking retention and progression - interim report.
- Wilkins, D. et al. 2020. Outcomes-focused supervision: a pilot and feasibility study. Project Report.[Online].London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/WWCSC_Outcomes-Focused-Supervision_full-report.pdf.
2019
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2019. Video Interaction guidance: a return to traditional values and relationship-based practice?. British Journal of Social Work 49 (6), pp.1415-1433. (10.1093/bjsw/bcz067)
- Maxwell, N. , Rees, A. and Thomas, S. 2019. The impact of staff training in VIG for professionals and families.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2019. A systematic map and synthesis review of child criminal exploitation. Project Report.[Online].National Safeguarding Panel: Wales.. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/report/a-systematic-map-and-synthesis-review-of-child-criminal-exploitation/.
- Rees, A. et al. 2019. Final Report for Evaluation of Fostering Wellbeing Programme 2019.
- Roberts, L. and Maxwell, N. 2019. Supporting women at risk of repeat care proceedings: The development of Reflect services in Wales. Presented at: 27th European Social Services Conference Milan, Italy 5-7 June 2019.
- Roberts, L. , Maxwell, N. and Elliott, M. 2019. When young people in and leaving state care become parents: What happens and why?. Children and Youth Services Review 104 , pp.104387. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104387)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2019. Evaluation of a fast-track postgraduate social work program in England using simulated practice. Research on Social Work Practice 29 (4), pp.363-374. (10.1177/1049731517735575)
2018
- Addis, S. et al. 2018. Reducing the need for children to enter into care: a survey of approaches used by local authorities in England. Project Report.[Online].London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Reducing_the_number_of_children_in_statutory_care_a_survey_of_local_authorities.pdf.
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Parental alienation: in search of evidence. Family Law 48 , pp.1304-1307.
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Review of research and case law on parental alienation. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Welsh Government. Available at: https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-05/review-of-research-and-case-law-on-parental-alienation.pdf.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. The impact of VIG for professionals and families. Presented at: Association for Video Interaction Guidance UK International Conference: Catching the Waves of Attunement Cornwall, UK 27 September 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance: Emerging findings from a UK study into the use of VIG to reduce the numbers of children in care and to support relationship building in foster care and adoption. Presented at: European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents Porto, Portugal 2-5 October 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: South Wales Practitioner Workshop Cardiff, UK 27 March 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: North Wales Practitioner Workshop Wrexham, UK 26 March 2018.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2018. The pre-training characteristics of Frontline participants and mainstream social work students. British Journal of Social Work 48 (2), pp.487-504. (10.1093/bjsw/bcx042)
- Rees, A. et al. 2018. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Roberts, L. et al. 2018. Evaluation of Reflect in Gwent: Final Report.
2017
- Forrester, D. et al. 2017. An evidence based review of the risks to children and young people who are educated at home. National Independent Safeguarding Board. Available at: http://safeguardingboard.wales/2017/11/23/home-education-children-report-2/.
- Rees, A. , Staples, E. and Maxwell, N. 2017. Evaluation of Visiting Mum Scheme: Final Report June 2017. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/Final-PACT-report-Final-version.-12.7.17.pdf.
2016
- Maxwell, N. , Rees, A. and Williams, A. 2016. Evaluation of the Video Interaction Guidance Service, Cornwall Council. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/VIG-Evaluation-Report.pdf.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2016. Independent evaluation of the Frontline pilot: Research report. Project Report.[Online].Department for Education. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/frontline-pilot-independent-evaluation.
- Roberts, L. et al. 2016. Improving well-being and outcomes for looked after children in Wales: A context sensitive review of interventions. Adoption and Fostering 40 (4), pp.309-324. (10.1177/0308575916675563)
2014
- Evans, S. et al., 2014. System-level change in mental health services in North Wales: an observational study using systems thinking. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 60 (4), pp.337. (10.1177/0020764013489672)
- Ottaway, H. , Holland, S. and Maxwell, N. 2014. The provision and experience of adoption support services in Wales: perspectives from adoption agencies and adoptive parents.. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/140702researchen.pdf.
2012
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2012. Engaging fathers in child welfare services: A narrative review of recent research evidence. Child and Family Social Work 17 (2), pp.160-169. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00827.x)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2012. The benefits and challenges of training child protection social workers in father engagement. Child Abuse Review 21 (4), pp.299-310. (10.1002/car.2218)
- Scourfield, J. B. et al. 2012. Results of a training course for social workers on engaging fathers in child protection. Children and Youth Services Review 34 (8), pp.1425-1432. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.022)
2011
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2011. UK panel data on social work service users. British Journal of Social Work 42 (1), pp.165-184. (10.1093/bjsw/bcr051)
2009
- Evans, S. et al., 2009. International recruitment in social work and social care in wales: the workers' and their colleagues' views. Project Report.Wales Office of Research and Development.
- Evans, S. et al., 2009. High impact changes in social care: a scoping review. Project Report.[Online].National Assembly for Wales. Available at: http://www.assembly.wales/cy/bus-home/bus-third-assembly/3-committees/3-scrutiny/3-hwlg/business-hwlg-inquiries/bus-committees-third-hwlg-inquiries_-_wfp/hwlg3-workforce_planning_inquiry/Pages/hwlg3-swanseauniversity.aspx.
- Fitzgerald, K. and Maxwell, N. 2009. The roles and responsibilities of health practitioners of older adults in emergency management. Project Report.[Online].Public Health Agency of Canada. Available at: http://www.ccsmh.ca/en/resources/emergencyPreparedness.cfm.
- Greenland, K. et al. 2009. Theoretical antecedents of distress disclosure in a community sample of young people. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 39 (9), pp.2045-2068. (10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00515.x)
- Scourfield, J. B. and Maxwell, N. 2009. Social work doctoral students in the UK: a web-based survey and search of the index to theses. British Journal of Social Work 40 (2), pp.548-566. (10.1093/bjsw/bcn165)
2008
- Lambert, P. et al., 2008. The social context of school bullying: evidence from a survey of children in South Wales. Research Papers in Education 23 (3), pp.269-291. (10.1080/02671520701809866)
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T. , Kalicinski, L. and Smalley, N. 2008. Agenda for action - the care and protection of asylum-seeker and trafficked children in Wales. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.wsmp.org.uk/documents/wsmp/Asylum%20Seeking%20Children/Reports/Agenda%20for%20Action.eng.Dec.08.pdf.
- Scourfield, J. B. and Smalley, N. 2008. Social work doctoral students in the UK. Southampton, UK: The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Social Policy and Social Work (SWAP). Available at: http://www.swap.ac.uk/docs/projects/rpt_jscourfield_online.pdf.
2007
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T. et al., 2007. Refugee children in Wales: coping and adaptation in the face of adversity. Children & Society 21 (4), pp.309-321. (10.1111/j.1099-0860.2007.00102.x)
- Scourfield, J. B. et al. 2007. Young people's gendered interpretations of suicide and attempted suicide. Child & Family Social Work 12 (3), pp.248-257. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00498.x)
2006
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2006. The experiences of front-line staff working with children seeking asylum. In: Jones Finer, C. ed. Migration, Immigration and Social Policy. London: Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.81-92.
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2006. Children seeking asylum in Wales. Journal of Refugee Studies 19 (4), pp.488-508. (10.1093/refuge/fel019)
2005
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2005. The experiences of frontline staff working with children seeking asylum. Social Policy and Administration 39 (6), pp.640-652. (10.1111/j.1467-9515.2005.00461.x)
- Hewett, T. et al., 2005. Uncertain futures: children seeking asylum in Wales. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/resources/online-library/uncertain-futures-children-seeking-asylum-in-wales.
- Smalley, N. , Scourfield, J. B. and Greenland, K. 2005. Young people, gender and suicide: A review of research on the social context. Journal of Social Work 5 (2), pp.133-154. (10.1177/1468017305054953)
2004
- Smalley, N. and Scourfield, J. B. 2004. The potential of research project websites. British Journal of Social Work 34 (4), pp.591-598. (10.1093/bjsw/bch068)
- Smalley, N. et al. 2004. Services for suicidal young people: qualitative research on lay and professional perspectives. Youth & Policy:The Journal of Critical Analysis 83 , pp.1-18.
2003
- Selwyn, N. and Smalley, N. 2003. An evaluation of the BBC/Nuffield prototype hybrid courses. Project Report.[Online].BBC/Nuffield.. Available at: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/full_evaluation.pdf.
- Smalley, N. 2003. Chalk, talk, technology and the teacher: teacher decisions in blended learning. Welsh Journal of Education 12 (1), pp.53-63.
2001
- Smalley, N. , Graff, M. and Saunders, D. 2001. A revised computer attitude scale for secondary students.. Educational and Child Psychology 18 (3), pp.47-57.
- Smalley, N. and Saunders, D. 2001. The development of an internet simulation for adults into a widening access initiative. Journal of Vocational Education & Training 53 (3), pp.355-372. (10.1080/13636820100200173)
- Smalley, N. , Saunders, D. and Hodson, P. 2001. An electronic newspaper simulation. International Journal of Simulation and Gaming 33 , pp.89-93.
Articles
- Corliss, C. et al. 2022. The views of local authorities in England on how to prevent children being in care. Child Care in Practice 28 (4), pp.576-592. (10.1080/13575279.2021.1975648)
- Corten, C. et al. 2025. Numbers and demographic characteristics of UK social work students over time. Social Work Education (10.1080/02615479.2025.2531855)
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Parental alienation: in search of evidence. Family Law 48 , pp.1304-1307.
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2020. Professional responses to 'parental alienation': research-informed practice. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law 42 (1), pp.68-79. (10.1080/09649069.2020.1701938)
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2006. Children seeking asylum in Wales. Journal of Refugee Studies 19 (4), pp.488-508. (10.1093/refuge/fel019)
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2005. The experiences of frontline staff working with children seeking asylum. Social Policy and Administration 39 (6), pp.640-652. (10.1111/j.1467-9515.2005.00461.x)
- Evans, S. et al., 2014. System-level change in mental health services in North Wales: an observational study using systems thinking. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 60 (4), pp.337. (10.1177/0020764013489672)
- Greenland, K. et al. 2009. Theoretical antecedents of distress disclosure in a community sample of young people. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 39 (9), pp.2045-2068. (10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00515.x)
- Lambert, P. et al., 2008. The social context of school bullying: evidence from a survey of children in South Wales. Research Papers in Education 23 (3), pp.269-291. (10.1080/02671520701809866)
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T. et al., 2007. Refugee children in Wales: coping and adaptation in the face of adversity. Children & Society 21 (4), pp.309-321. (10.1111/j.1099-0860.2007.00102.x)
- Maxwell, N. 2022. I'm trying to save my family: Parent experiences of child criminal exploitation. Youth Justice 23 (2), pp.243-258. (10.1177/14732254221122559)
- Maxwell, N. 2024. Quality of life as a basis for system change. Social Work and Social Sciences Review 25 (1), pp.65-69. (10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2297)
- Maxwell, N. 2024. 'Shove that. There’s always hope': Young people’s lived experience of child criminal exploitation. Journal of Youth Studies (10.1080/13676261.2024.2397025)
- Maxwell, N. 2022. Using programme theory to identify the key elements of the Frontline programme. Social Work Education 41 (5), pp.926-942. (10.1080/02615479.2021.1903415)
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2024. I am not going to lie; some people do not even want to talk: Co-design with vulnerable groups affected by child criminal exploitation. Children & Society 38 (5), pp.1692-1713. (10.1111/chso.12833)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2020. Home education for children with additional learning needs – a better choice or the only option?. Educational Review 72 (4), pp.427-442. (10.1080/00131911.2018.1532955)
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2019. Video Interaction guidance: a return to traditional values and relationship-based practice?. British Journal of Social Work 49 (6), pp.1415-1433. (10.1093/bjsw/bcz067)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2018. The pre-training characteristics of Frontline participants and mainstream social work students. British Journal of Social Work 48 (2), pp.487-504. (10.1093/bjsw/bcx042)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2012. Engaging fathers in child welfare services: A narrative review of recent research evidence. Child and Family Social Work 17 (2), pp.160-169. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00827.x)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2011. UK panel data on social work service users. British Journal of Social Work 42 (1), pp.165-184. (10.1093/bjsw/bcr051)
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2012. The benefits and challenges of training child protection social workers in father engagement. Child Abuse Review 21 (4), pp.299-310. (10.1002/car.2218)
- Rees, A. et al. 2022. Visiting mum: children's perspectives on a supported scheme when visiting their mother in prison. Child Care in Practice 28 (3), pp.247-262. (10.1080/13575279.2020.1769025)
- Rees, A. et al. 2023. Fostering wellbeing: placing foster carers centre stage. Adoption and Fostering 47 (4), pp.453-470. (10.1177/03085759231208460)
- Roberts, L. , Maxwell, N. and Elliott, M. 2019. When young people in and leaving state care become parents: What happens and why?. Children and Youth Services Review 104 , pp.104387. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104387)
- Roberts, L. et al. 2016. Improving well-being and outcomes for looked after children in Wales: A context sensitive review of interventions. Adoption and Fostering 40 (4), pp.309-324. (10.1177/0308575916675563)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2023. Retention in statutory social work from fast-track child and family programmes. Journal of Social Work 23 (6), pp.1022-1042. (10.1177/14680173231194432)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2024. Improving children's services engagement of fathers in child protection: logic model for an organisational development and staff training intervention. International Journal on Child Maltreatment 7 , pp.607-614. (10.1007/s42448-024-00206-y)
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2019. Evaluation of a fast-track postgraduate social work program in England using simulated practice. Research on Social Work Practice 29 (4), pp.363-374. (10.1177/1049731517735575)
- Scourfield, J. B. et al. 2007. Young people's gendered interpretations of suicide and attempted suicide. Child & Family Social Work 12 (3), pp.248-257. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00498.x)
- Scourfield, J. B. and Maxwell, N. 2009. Social work doctoral students in the UK: a web-based survey and search of the index to theses. British Journal of Social Work 40 (2), pp.548-566. (10.1093/bjsw/bcn165)
- Scourfield, J. B. et al. 2012. Results of a training course for social workers on engaging fathers in child protection. Children and Youth Services Review 34 (8), pp.1425-1432. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.022)
- Smalley, N. 2003. Chalk, talk, technology and the teacher: teacher decisions in blended learning. Welsh Journal of Education 12 (1), pp.53-63.
- Smalley, N. , Graff, M. and Saunders, D. 2001. A revised computer attitude scale for secondary students.. Educational and Child Psychology 18 (3), pp.47-57.
- Smalley, N. and Saunders, D. 2001. The development of an internet simulation for adults into a widening access initiative. Journal of Vocational Education & Training 53 (3), pp.355-372. (10.1080/13636820100200173)
- Smalley, N. , Saunders, D. and Hodson, P. 2001. An electronic newspaper simulation. International Journal of Simulation and Gaming 33 , pp.89-93.
- Smalley, N. and Scourfield, J. B. 2004. The potential of research project websites. British Journal of Social Work 34 (4), pp.591-598. (10.1093/bjsw/bch068)
- Smalley, N. et al. 2004. Services for suicidal young people: qualitative research on lay and professional perspectives. Youth & Policy:The Journal of Critical Analysis 83 , pp.1-18.
- Smalley, N. , Scourfield, J. B. and Greenland, K. 2005. Young people, gender and suicide: A review of research on the social context. Journal of Social Work 5 (2), pp.133-154. (10.1177/1468017305054953)
- Varnish, C. et al., 2025. The relationship between placement instability and mental health among careexperienced children and young people: a UK systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry (10.1192/bjp.2025.10375)
Book sections
- Dunkerley, D. et al., 2006. The experiences of front-line staff working with children seeking asylum. In: Jones Finer, C. ed. Migration, Immigration and Social Policy. London: Wiley-Blackwell. , pp.81-92.
Conferences
- Maxwell, N. 2025. Exploring notions of victimhood through the narratives of criminally exploited children. Presented at: European Conference for Social Work Research 2025 Munich, Germany 12-14 March 2025.
- Maxwell, N. 2025. “'Yes, but there are other children who are actually being abused”: Using simulation to examine how professionals identify and respond to child criminal exploitation.. Presented at: European Society of Criminology Athens, Greece 03-06 September 2025.
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. Child criminal exploitation: working with parents rather than against them.. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminology Malaga, Spain 21-24 September 2022.
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. ‘Walking the walk’: Peer mentoring in a youth diversion service. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminolog Malaga, Spain 21-24 September 2022.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2025. It’s going to change my practice: the secondary impact of a simulated case file exploration on professional decision making. Presented at: EUSARF: European Scientific Association On Residential And Family Care For Children And Adolescents. Zagreb, Croatia 8 -12 September 2025.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2025. Using Sankey diagrams to visually depict the service journeys of criminally exploited children. Presented at: ADR Conference: From records to research: Harnessing administrative data to enhance lives Cardiff, Wales 17-18 September 2025.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. The impact of VIG for professionals and families. Presented at: Association for Video Interaction Guidance UK International Conference: Catching the Waves of Attunement Cornwall, UK 27 September 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance: Emerging findings from a UK study into the use of VIG to reduce the numbers of children in care and to support relationship building in foster care and adoption. Presented at: European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents Porto, Portugal 2-5 October 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: South Wales Practitioner Workshop Cardiff, UK 27 March 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: North Wales Practitioner Workshop Wrexham, UK 26 March 2018.
- Roberts, L. and Maxwell, N. 2019. Supporting women at risk of repeat care proceedings: The development of Reflect services in Wales. Presented at: 27th European Social Services Conference Milan, Italy 5-7 June 2019.
Monographs
- Addis, S. et al. 2018. Reducing the need for children to enter into care: a survey of approaches used by local authorities in England. Project Report.[Online].London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Reducing_the_number_of_children_in_statutory_care_a_survey_of_local_authorities.pdf.
- Doughty, J. , Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Review of research and case law on parental alienation. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Welsh Government. Available at: https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-05/review-of-research-and-case-law-on-parental-alienation.pdf.
- Evans, S. et al., 2009. International recruitment in social work and social care in wales: the workers' and their colleagues' views. Project Report.Wales Office of Research and Development.
- Evans, S. et al., 2009. High impact changes in social care: a scoping review. Project Report.[Online].National Assembly for Wales. Available at: http://www.assembly.wales/cy/bus-home/bus-third-assembly/3-committees/3-scrutiny/3-hwlg/business-hwlg-inquiries/bus-committees-third-hwlg-inquiries_-_wfp/hwlg3-workforce_planning_inquiry/Pages/hwlg3-swanseauniversity.aspx.
- Fitzgerald, K. and Maxwell, N. 2009. The roles and responsibilities of health practitioners of older adults in emergency management. Project Report.[Online].Public Health Agency of Canada. Available at: http://www.ccsmh.ca/en/resources/emergencyPreparedness.cfm.
- Forrester, D. et al. 2017. An evidence based review of the risks to children and young people who are educated at home. National Independent Safeguarding Board. Available at: http://safeguardingboard.wales/2017/11/23/home-education-children-report-2/.
- Hewett, T. et al., 2005. Uncertain futures: children seeking asylum in Wales. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/resources/online-library/uncertain-futures-children-seeking-asylum-in-wales.
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T. , Kalicinski, L. and Smalley, N. 2008. Agenda for action - the care and protection of asylum-seeker and trafficked children in Wales. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.wsmp.org.uk/documents/wsmp/Asylum%20Seeking%20Children/Reports/Agenda%20for%20Action.eng.Dec.08.pdf.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2023. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service Evaluation. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/SOCEIS-Evaluation-2023.pdf.
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Good practice in youth violence prevention: A mapping and horizon scanning review.
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Implementing co-productive practice with public services: messages from the research.
- Maxwell, N. , Rees, A. and Thomas, S. 2019. The impact of staff training in VIG for professionals and families.
- Maxwell, N. , Rees, A. and Williams, A. 2016. Evaluation of the Video Interaction Guidance Service, Cornwall Council. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/VIG-Evaluation-Report.pdf.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2016. Independent evaluation of the Frontline pilot: Research report. Project Report.[Online].Department for Education. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/frontline-pilot-independent-evaluation.
- Maxwell, N. and Wallace, C. 2021. Child criminal exploitation in Wales.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2019. A systematic map and synthesis review of child criminal exploitation. Project Report.[Online].National Safeguarding Panel: Wales.. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/report/a-systematic-map-and-synthesis-review-of-child-criminal-exploitation/.
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2022. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service: Interim Evaluation Report. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Serious-Organised-Crime-Early-Intervention-Service-Evaluation-Report.pdf.
- Ottaway, H. , Holland, S. and Maxwell, N. 2014. The provision and experience of adoption support services in Wales: perspectives from adoption agencies and adoptive parents.. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/140702researchen.pdf.
- Rees, A. , Casserly, N. and Maxwell, N. 2020. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Rees, A. et al. 2019. Final Report for Evaluation of Fostering Wellbeing Programme 2019.
- Rees, A. et al. 2018. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Rees, A. , Staples, E. and Maxwell, N. 2017. Evaluation of Visiting Mum Scheme: Final Report June 2017. Project Report.[Online].Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/Final-PACT-report-Final-version.-12.7.17.pdf.
- Roberts, L. et al. 2018. Evaluation of Reflect in Gwent: Final Report.
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2020. Social work fast track programmes: tracking retention and progression - interim report.
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2021. Social work fast-track programmes: Retention and progression. Final report. Project Report.[Online].Department for Education, UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-work-fast-track-programmes-tracking-study.
- Scourfield, J. B. and Smalley, N. 2008. Social work doctoral students in the UK. Southampton, UK: The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Social Policy and Social Work (SWAP). Available at: http://www.swap.ac.uk/docs/projects/rpt_jscourfield_online.pdf.
- Selwyn, N. and Smalley, N. 2003. An evaluation of the BBC/Nuffield prototype hybrid courses. Project Report.[Online].BBC/Nuffield.. Available at: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/full_evaluation.pdf.
- Wilkins, D. et al. 2020. Outcomes-focused supervision: a pilot and feasibility study. Project Report.[Online].London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/WWCSC_Outcomes-Focused-Supervision_full-report.pdf.
Research
Research interests:
- Youth, Society and Risk
- Workforce development
- Private family law
Current research projects:
The aim of this 2-year project is to create detailed case studies of criminally exploited young people’s lived experiences of service pathways, provision and outcomes five years prior to referral acceptance and up to 2 years after.
Past research projects:
In partnership with Barnardo’s, this 18-month exploratory research project is aimed at creating a toolkit for an effective service response to improve the outcomes for children at risk or involved in county lines. This project will contribute to the knowledge base regarding the nature and scale of the problem, what approaches and interventions are most effective and how contextual safeguarding approaches can be used in practice within the Welsh context.
The aim of this evaluation is to examine the implementation, delivery and impact of the service across four sites in the UK on diverting children and young people from criminality based on (1) analysis of service data, (2) an online survey (3) semi-structured interviews, (4) case file analysis, and (5) analysis of police administrative data. In addition, the evaluation examines the thematic areas of identification, capacity building, multi-agency working, and targeted interventions.
I convene the Youth, Society and Risk Research Development Group in CASCADE
Teaching
- Lectures and workshops on various topics, including child criminal exploitation, systematic reviewing
Biography
Education and qualifications
- 2002: PhD (Psychology and Education), University of Glamorgan
- 2004: MSc Occupational Psychology, Cardiff University
- 1998: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminal Justice, University of Glamorgan
Honours and awards
- Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS)
Professional memberships
- Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society
Academic positions
- Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2022 - current)
- Senior Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2020 - 2022)
- Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2019 - 2020)
- Research Associate, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2014 - 2018)
- Research Consultant, Huxley-Maxwell Consultants (2012 - 2013)
- Research Associate, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University (2010 - 2011)
- Research Officer, Centre for Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University (2007 - 2009)
- Research Associate, School of Social Science, Cardiff University (2001-2006)
- Simulation Fellow, Centre for Lifelong Learning University of Glamorgan (1998-2001)
Committees and reviewing
- NIHR, HTA Programme, Prioritisation Committee: Social Care
- Evaluation Technical Advisory Group: Youth Endowment Fund
- External committee member for the Cafcass Research Advisory Committee.
- Associate member of the Wales Violence Prevention Unit.
- Editorial Board member for the British Journal of Social Work
- Reviewer for social work and education journals.
Supervisions
I am interested in supervising PhD students with interests connected to:
- Youth, Society and Risk including child criminal exploitation.
- Workforce development.
- Private law.
Current supervision
Annemarie Newbury
Past projects
- Simon Johns - wellbeing interventions in schools
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- social care
- Crime and social justice
- Workforce
- private family law
- Social psychology
