A major national research trial evaluating PACT’s pioneering recovery programme for children affected by domestic abuse is now underway, marking a significant step forward in building evidence on what support works best for families.
The full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K), led by Foundations – the What Works Centre for Children & Families – officially launched in April 2026 and is now well underway.
Developed by PACT in 2010, BB4K is a trauma-informed programme supporting children aged 3 to 11 and their victim-survivor parent to recover from the impact of domestic abuse. Through structured therapeutic-style sessions, it helps families rebuild relationships, strengthen resilience and move forward safely.
As the trial progresses, BB4K is expanding its reach with the programme being delivered more widely across Oxfordshire. This growth means that PACT can support even more families through the programme as part of the study, significantly increasing access to its specialist recovery support.
The new trial builds on a successful pilot study, which showed promising early signs of improved parental confidence and positive changes in children’s behaviour, as well as confirming that a larger-scale evaluation is both feasible and needed.
Domestic abuse affects around one in five children and can have long-lasting impacts on emotional wellbeing, behaviour and relationships. Despite this, access to specialist recovery support remains inconsistent across the UK.
The BB4K trial aims to address this gap by generating robust evidence about the effectiveness of recovery programmes. The study will assess whether families taking part experience:
- Improved parental self-efficacy
- Reductions in children’s behavioural difficulties at home
- Stronger parent–child relationships
It will also explore how the programme works in practice, who benefits most, and whether it provides value for money.
BB4K is delivered over 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the child’s age, and combines therapeutic-style activities such as play, creative expression and guided discussion. Crucially, it works with both the child and their parent at the same time, helping families to understand trauma and heal together.
The trial is being carried out by Foundations in partnership with PACT and independent evaluators IFF Research, forming part of a wider national effort to strengthen the evidence base for services supporting vulnerable children and families.
By combining rigorous research with frontline delivery expertise, the project aims to provide actionable insights that can inform policy and improve support provision across the country.
Natausha van Vliet, CEO of PACT, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Bounce Back 4 Kids progressing through this important phase of evaluation.
“This trial represents a vital opportunity to strengthen the evidence for what truly helps children and families recover from the trauma of domestic abuse.
“As we expand delivery into Oxfordshire and support more families than ever before, we are increasing access to vital recovery services while building the evidence needed to improve support nationally.
“For many years, we have seen first-hand the difference BB4K makes in helping families rebuild relationships and regain confidence. By working with Foundations and our evaluation partners, we can ensure that this evidence is robust, helping more children access the support they need to heal and thrive.”
As the trial continues, findings will help determine how BB4K, and similar programmes, could be scaled up to reach more families nationally.
With early momentum already building, the study marks a significant milestone for the sector and a crucial step towards ensuring that children affected by domestic abuse receive effective, evidence-based support.
