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Cumulative adverse childhood experiences among children in foster care and the association with reunification: a survival analysis
- Authors:
- LIMING Kiley W., BROOK Jody, AKIN Becci
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 113, 2021, p.104899.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Background: Research shows children in foster care are at amplified risk of experiencing cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Though separate bodies of literature exist for ACEs and foster care, ample research demonstrates overlap in negative outcomes between ACEs and foster care involvement, such as substance use, early pregnancy, and poorer educational outcomes, among others. Rare are studies that have explored ACEs influence on targeted foster care outcomes. Objective: To address this gap in the literature, this study’s objective was to investigate the association between cumulative ACEs and reunification. Participants and setting: 2,998 American children between 6–18 years old in foster care between October 2015 and July 2019 in a Midwestern state. Methods: Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to examine likelihood of and time to reunification, comparing children with 1–5 ACEs, 6–9 ACEs, and 10+ ACEs. Results: Increased cumulative ACE exposure among children in foster care significantly impeded likelihood of reunification, and slowed time to reunification. Children with 6–9 ACEs and 10+ ACEs were 28 % (HR = .72, p = .024) and 42 % (HR = .58, p = .000) less likely to reunify, respectively, when compared to their counterparts with 1–5 ACEs. Other significant predictors of reunification included: race, age at foster care entry, siblings in foster care, and placement setting type. Conclusion: Results support the notion that among an already vulnerable population, subgroups of children may disproportionally experience negative foster care outcomes. Continued research is necessary to further examine intersections and implications of cumulative ACEs among children in foster care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Foster care reunification: an exploration of non-linear hierarchical modeling
- Authors:
- PUTNAM-HORNSTEIN Emily, SHAW Terry V.
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 33(5), May 2011, pp.705-714.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Hierarchical or multilevel models are based on the same fundamental concepts that apply to simple linear models. The linear forms of these models can be interpreted with relative ease as parameter estimates do not differ in magnitude or interpretation from standard non-hierarchical models. Non-linear hierarchical models are more complex as the introduction of a random intercept means that parameter estimates must be interpreted as “subject-specific” rather than “population-averaged”. Depending on the specifics of the data being modelled, these parameters may be very different in magnitude. Two examples of non-linear hierarchical modelling are provided using a cohort of children in California who entered an out-of-home foster care placement for the first time in 2001. The first focuses on children nested in families, and the second examines families nested within counties. In the context of these models, the study looks at the consequences of these analyses for: the estimating consequences of modelling 'family' as the clustering unit for siblings; and the estimation consequences of modelling 'county' as the clustering unit for families.
A better path to permanency for children in out-of-home care
- Authors:
- PINE Barbara A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 31(10), October 2009, pp.1135-1143.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This article reports selected findings from a five-year, comprehensive evaluation of a program designed based on principles and practices found to be most predictive of successful family reunification. The study reported here matched families in the program with families receiving standard state reunification services. Findings indicate that program and non-program children were nearly equally likely to be reunified. However, program children were reunified or achieved an alternative permanent placement sooner, and experienced fewer moves while in care than children in the comparison group. Moreover, program families were less likely to experience a re-referral to child welfare authorities after they were reunified.
Behavioral problems following reunification of children in long-term foster care
- Author:
- BELLAMY Jennifer L.
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 30(2), February 2008, pp.216-228.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Although reunification is the most common and preferred exit from the U.S. foster care system, little is known about the well-being of children following foster care. Even less is known about reunification following long-term foster care. Geographically limited studies suggest poor behavioural outcomes following reunification. A secondary data analysis was performed using a subsample of 604 children from the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW) who had experienced at least 8 months of foster care. Multiple imputation (MI) was employed to address missing data. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and propensity score matching are used to explore the role of risks and reunification in children's well-being from baseline to 36-month follow-up. Results indicate that reunification has no direct effect on behavioural outcomes, but is associated with increased risks in the family context of children who are reunified. Findings highlight the complex nature of the relationship between reunification and behavioural outcomes, as well as the need for reunification interventions that specifically target parental mental health and children's internalizing behaviours. Reunification research using longitudinal data and qualitative methods is recommended to clarify risks and outcomes across time.
Trouble on the journey home: reunification failures in foster care
- Authors:
- MILLER Keith A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 26(3), March 2006, pp.260-274.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The authors examined post reunification variables regarding parent characteristics, child characteristics, parent service utilization, child service utilization, family environment, and neighbourhood environment as they relate to reunification failure. The sample for the study included foster children who, at reunification with their birth parents, ranged in age from 4–7 years. All participants were reunified with at least one parent. Among the variables found to significantly differentiate between failed and successful reunifications were parental utilization of substance abuse treatment, child utilization of special educational services, child utilization of individual, family, or group therapy, overall parenting skill level, appropriate use of discipline, and quality of neighbourhood. The authors discuss the implications of these results for policies aimed at increasing the success rate of reunifications following foster care.
Balancing reunification and reentry goals
- Authors:
- McDONALD Tom, BRYSON Stephanie, POERTNER John
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 28(1), January 2006, pp.47-58.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Using event history analysis, this American study examines the relationship between reunification and reentry rates for 33 Oklahoma counties with 100 or more reunifications occurring in 2002. Consistent with most research in this area, the study found a relationship between early reunification (before 6 months) and higher reentry rates. In a significant departure from existing research, the study found the converse of the expected relationship between very early reunification and reentry rates: lower reentry rates for counties reunifying a majority of children within 30 days of removal from the home. Possible explanations for this finding are explored, and recommendations for changing child welfare outcome measures are discussed.
Together again: family reunification in foster care
- Editors:
- PINE Barbara A, WARSH Robin, MALUCCIO Anthony
- Publisher:
- Child Welfare League of America
- Publication year:
- 1993
- Pagination:
- 237p.,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- Washington, DC
Practical text on reuniting children in foster care with their birth families.
Family reunification decision-making in Dutch family foster care: a dual perspective approach
- Authors:
- TEUNISSEN Mirte S. L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Youth Care Forum, 50(2), 2021, pp.199-228.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Background: An important responsibility of the child welfare system, is taking decisions on the reunification of children with their birth parents after the children have lived in foster families. We currently lack evidence-based knowledge to guide the reunification decision-making process. Objective: The present study uses concept mapping as an exploratory method, to identify themes that seem to be used by two groups of professionals in their judgement and decision making on reunification. Method: First, we consulted 78 foster care workers and studied 172 legal cases to examine criteria important for reunification. Next, unique criteria were grouped and rated by 35 foster care workers and also by 12 family judges separately. The data was analysed with multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis which resulted in a concept map for each group of professionals. Results: Both foster care workers and family judges suggested the following themes in the reunification decision-making process: (a) birth parents’ functioning and parenting abilities, (b) birth parents’ acceptance of support, and (c) the child’s functioning, developmental needs and wishes. Besides parallel themes, both foster care workers and family judges also seem to consider unique themes. Conclusions: The suggested similarities and differences between the two groups of professionals possibly reflect different professional frameworks. The foster care workers’ considerations seem to have an orientation towards permanency planning while the family judges’ considerations seem to be linked to the legal framework. Gaining insight in the perspective of different groups of professionals involved in the process of reunification, is a small but important step towards reaching consensus through discussion in order to achieve the optimal implementation of the decisions considered in the best interest of children’s future. (Edited publisher abstract)
Should the reintegration of children in foster care into their biological families be the only goal of the legislation governing foster care? Factors influencing the relations between parents and their children living in foster care
- Authors:
- CHARTIER Stephanie, BLAVIER Adelaide
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 121, 2021, p.105741.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The aim of this article was to identify factors that may influence the presence of parents and the possibilities of reunification with their foster children. This study found that there are 4 main areas that influence the presence of parents in their child's life and the possibilities of reunification with them. These include: the quality of the parent-child relationship and the mobilization of parents; the time factor.; parents' pathologies and the consequences on their children; and type of family and family relationship. A majority of parents disengage in the first three years of the placement and especially in the first year. It is therefore essential to carry out intensive work with the parents as soon as possible in order to maximise the possibilities of family reunification or, if necessary, to develop a realistic and adapted project for all parties. Parents' drug addiction generates their absence from their child's life. The accumulation of problems among parents also increases their disengagement from their child's life. The work on parenting must include intensive support in solving the personal problems of the parents of children in care. It is therefore essential to work intensively with the parents at an early stage to maximise the possibilities of reunification on the parents' personal problems and the quality of the parent–child relationship. (Edited publisher abstract)
Trial home visits and foster care reentry
- Author:
- SHAW Terry V.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Child Welfare, 15(1), 2021, pp.6-21.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Foster care placements are a temporary solution for children who are unable to live safely with their families primarily due to reasons of child abuse or neglect. The preferred permanency option for children in care is a return to their parent(s) or primary caregiver(s). Trial home visits (the placement of a child in the home from where they were removed while the state maintains custody) could assist in ensuring that reunifications are successful and reducing reentries. An entry cohort of 4,101 children who entered care between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016 and left care to reunification within 2 years of entry were administratively followed for 18 months post-reunification to examine whether they would experience another entry into the foster care system (n = 806; 19.7%). Trial home visits were found to be protective, but there was a moderating effect of family size (siblings in care); for children without siblings in care, a trial home visit reduced the odds of reentries (OR = 0.43). Trial home visits need to be examined more completely to understand their protective role in maintaining children and families in their homes post-permanency. (Edited publisher abstract)