Child welfare policy and practice: The myth of family preservation.

Abstract

The family-preservation orientation of child welfare policy and practice is questioned, and the reasons why child rescue efforts continue to grow are explored. Child placement rates are examined in historical context and compared to those of other countries. This paper argues that the child welfare system in the U.S. has long been two "systems" and that, as currently structured, it is incapable of promoting family preservation.

Canadian Child Welfare Outcomes Indicator Matrix

“…For example, the rapid expansion of family preservation programs in the United States was initially driven by the increase in the number of children entering foster care. Success was primarily measured in terms of placement prevention rather than evidence that children were benefiting from the programs (Littell & Schuerman, 1995;Pelton, 1997).…”

Family support and child protection approaches. Historicising perspectives on contemporary discourses of social work

“…In a later book (Fox, 1997), she distinguishes between 'state paternalism and child protection' and 'the modern defence of the birth family and parents' rights'. Perhaps, the clearest contrast is posed as 'child rescue' versus 'family preservation' (Pelton, 1997). A continuum may be considered (Morrison, 2000) of interventions with variable degrees of support and coercion.…”

“…A child welfare organisation might have separate child protection or family support teams, or interventions with particular families are seen as responses to 'a child in need' or 'a child at risk' (Morris, 2011). Sometimes the distinction is used to denote the orientation of particular policies or legislation during particular decades (Pelton, 1997), or it is linked to more general family policies in particular countries (Gilbert et al, 2011). A family could receive both interventions, possibly with different agencies, ultimately, however, children either remain with their family or they are placed in substitute care, and the justification for this choice is premised on notions of supporting the family or protecting the child which vary over time and context.…”

“…In general, it is suggested that child protection responses have prevailed over family support (Baartman, 2011;Pelton, 1997). Gilbert et al (2011) have noted that since the 1990s, a third orientation has emerged which they call 'child focused'.…”

“…Policies and practices have tended to move between these reactions, sometimes to the extremes but always with elements of both (Baartman, 2011;Pelton, 1997). In general, it is suggested that child protection responses have prevailed over family support (Baartman, 2011;Pelton, 1997).…”