In response to the growing challenges in child welfare provision—particularly the shortage of foster and permanent carers for children over the age of 10—this project represents a collaborative effort between academic researchers and the Social Assistance Center of a Lithuanian municipality. Although a formal system of foster and permanent care is in place, the lack of qualified families presents significant challenges in meeting children’s needs, ultimately threatening their well-being. The joint research initiative aims to investigate the current state of foster and permanent care-giving in the region. It focuses on identifying the factors that motivate individuals to become caregivers and the key drivers that sustain their long-term commitment, with the goal of developing a more sustainable, family-based care system for children.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the project combines a quantitative survey assessing local residents' attitudes toward childcare with qualitative interviews capturing the experiences of current and former carers. This evidence-based methodology is designed to support more effective policy-making and improve support systems for carers at the municipal level.

By partnering closely with the Social Assistance Center, the research team ensures that academic inquiry is immediately translated into practical tools and policy suggestions. The collaboration includes co-creation of research instruments, regular consultations with practitioners, and a shared commitment to disseminating findings through both scholarly and community-based channels. Outcomes directly contribute to the refinement of local care practices and the development of targeted recruitment and support strategies for carers. The project fosters knowledge transfer between academia and practice, involving practitioners, educators, and social work students in all stages of the research process. This broad engagement aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage community involvement in family-based care solutions.

The project is a strong example of university–industry cooperation, showcasing how academic expertise can be applied to address pressing societal challenges through partnership with local institutions. A key innovation lies in the project’s educational impact: insights from the research are being integrated into social work curricula, enabling future professionals to engage with real-world childcare issues. This ensures that education is not only theory-based but grounded in contemporary social realities and practical fieldwork. It also enhances students’ readiness to work in multidisciplinary, community-oriented settings.

By integrating research, educational renewal, and real-world collaboration, the project contributes to long-term improvements in child welfare, while reinforcing the role of universities as active agents of social innovation and community development. This case exemplifies how strategic collaboration between universities and local social service institutions can lead to meaningful social innovation, improve service delivery, and strengthen the links between education, research, and real-world impact.

Keywords: University–Municipality Cooperation, Education-Driven Research, Foster Care.