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Several studies have demonstrated that children who experience multiple placements are more likely to experience behavioral problems and are less likely to achieve reunification. however, little is known about how move transitionsfrom one foster home to another, from foster care to birth family home, or between family placements and group care facilities-are perceived or experienced by children in foster care, or those formerly in foster care. This qualitative study examines the definition of foster care placement moves from the perspective of adults formerly in foster care. Participants identify both physical and psychological shifts as key dimensions of the placement change experience. Some study participants viewed returning home as "just" another placement. Implications for child welfare policy, research, and practice are briefly discussed.

This study utilizes survey data to assess the social network orientation of 66 foster care youth and alumni. Specifically, it measures the perceptions of foster care alumni concerning the efficacy of seeking help from their support system. Correlation analysis revealed that longer lengths of stays in foster care, higher numbers of placements, and a lack of permanency arrangement were all associated with being less likely to ask for and accept assistance from those in their social networks. Multivariate analysis indicates that the number of placements while in care was the only significant predictor of social network orientation. Implications for policy and practice include increased efforts by state agencies to maintain permanent and stable relationships in the lives of older youth as they transition from care and ensuring that the first placement is the best fit when out-ofhome placements are suggested.

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