An Examination of the Factors That Facilitate and Hinder the Care Planning Process for Very Young Children in Scotland

Abstract

The study reported here by Linda Davidson and Karen McKenzie examined the care planning process for very young children in Scotland using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were gathered from existing case files on 18 looked after children aged 0–2 years. A qualitative approach was used to explore the views of six randomly selected social workers about current practice in relation to care planning. The social workers identified a number of factors which both facilitated and hindered the care planning process and in a number of cases the same factor was identified as doing both. The most commonly identified factor was waiting for an expert assessment. This could cause serious delays but once completed, was often the catalyst for change. The participants identified a further number of factors which they felt could improve the process, including additional training. Their responses are discussed in the context of recent legislative changes in Scotland.

Regional variations in care planning in Northern Ireland: Proposing an ecological model of decision-making

“…These were: (1) focus on parents’ rights and disregard for children’s rights; (2) a rise in the use of independent assessments and independent experts; and (3) substantial disagreements with the Courts. These issues have featured in other studies in the UK (Beckett et al., 2007; Davidson and McKenzie, 2010; Ward et al., 2006).…”

“…Hence, participants in Trust B explained that it takes an average of three years or more in Northern Ireland for a child to be adopted, compared to two years or less in England. Besides, Davidson and McKenzie (2010) found that waiting for an expert assessment was the most commonly identified factor influencing care planning in a particular local council in Scotland.…”

Young People's Experiences of Going Missing From Care: A Qualitative Investigation using Peer Researchers

“…In their consideration of the priority areas for change in residential care for children and young people, Davidson and McKenzie (2010) allude to unhealthy cultures of care that include a failure to listen to children and young people and the acceptance of 'macho' and violent ways of interacting. They state that for young people to be treated with warmth, respect and value, the workers themselves need to experience this from their managers.…”