Description
Book SynopsisThe decision whether or not to reunify a child in care with their birth family is one of the most serious taken by children's services, and often involves considerable risk.
This book examines the long-term consequences of this decision for children who entered public care for abuse or neglect. It compares the experiences and progress of children who remained in care or returned to their birth families up to four years after the decision was taken. It covers how the decision is made, the factors taken into account when making it and provides important suggestions for effective decision-making. It compares the progress made by the children in relation to their safety, stability and emotional well-being. The book demonstrates that, contrary to common belief, long-term care can be a positive option for maltreated children.
This book provides important messages for reunification policy and practice in relation to maltreated children. It will be essential reading for social work practitioners, researchers and policy makers.
Trade ReviewOverall the book provides a useful read for EPs, particularly those who work specifically with looked after children. It reminds all involved in supporting children, young people and their families of the role they play in safeguarding. -- Debate
This is a well-written and well-presented book. It is useful for social workers, social work students and professionals working with young people in the public care system faced with making the decision of whether a child should remain looked after or returned home. -- PSW
The decision to return a child home after a period in care couldn't be more critical. If you want a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the issues and consequences of these life changing professional decisions, then this is a 'must read'. -- John Simmonds, Director of Policy, Research and Development, British Association for Adoption and Fostering
Table of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Study Design. 3. The Children's Admission to Care. 4. The Effective Decision: How Children and Parents Were Getting On. 5. How the Effective Decision was Made: Planning and Outcome. 6. How the Effective Decision was Made: Experiences of Parents and Children. 7. Children's Experiences at Home and in Care: The First Six Months. 8. Placements and Stability at Follow-up. 9. Well-Being and Progress at Follow-up. 10. Exploring Well-Being at Follow-up. 11. Case Studies: From Admission to Follow-up. 12. Conclusion. Appendix A. A Global Outcome Measure of Child Well-Being. References. Index.
