Research on placement moves: Seeking the perspective of foster children

Unrau, Yvonne A.

doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2006.08.003

Cited by 61 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Since these data were collected, national policy initiatives to improve outcomes for children in care have attempted to address this issue in England (Department for Education and Skills, 2001;2004;2007). However the most recent figures show that although there has been some positive change over the last five years, instability is still extensive and difficult to reduce (Department for Children, Schools and Families, 2008b).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data such as these are often presented as evidence of a failing system (see Sergeant, 2006), although there are many, complex factors which contribute to such disappointing outcomes, only a few of which are attributable to children's social care (Ward, 2008). One factor, however, which is likely to impact on the life trajectories of children in care is the unstable nature of placements, again a common problem, both in the United Kingdom, North America and Australia and in much of Europe (Stein and Munro, 2008;Unrau, 2007). English children move home on average three times before reaching adulthood (Moyers and Mason, 1995), whereas it is not unusual for those in the care system to experience the equivalent level of change in the course of a year (Department for Children Schools and Families, 2008b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Patterns of instability: Moves within the care system, their reasons, contexts and consequences

Ward

2009

Children and Youth Services Review

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The unstable nature of placements impacts on children's education, health and emotional development and contributes to the poor outcomes of care. The present study examined the moves of 242 long-stay children for a minimum of 3.5 years after they entered the care of six English local authorities using quantitative data extracted from case files and qualitative data from interviews with children and young people.During the study period 965 placements were made and 843 ended. The median length of placements in foster family care was four months and 3.5 months in residential care, and did not substantially increase until the third year of the care episode. While the numbers of placements differed according to children's ages and attributes, even very young children with no additional support needs experienced frequent moves. Instability in care replicated children's experiences within their birth families and reinforced perceptions of transience. While some placements broke down, the majority of moves were planned transitions embedded in the case management process. These may be a response to inadequate resources, but they also reflect how social workers and the courts struggled to acknowledge that some parents would not be able to provide adequate care within a child's timescale.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patterns of instability: Moves within the care system, their reasons, contexts and consequences

Ward

2009

Children and Youth Services Review

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“…Mullan and others (2007) discussed the possible risk of labelling young people with mental health problems through research and other information about how participants were safeguarded. Unrau (2007) in her review of research into placement moves by children in foster care makes a strong case for why it is important to include children and young people's perspectives in research designs:…”

Section: Problematic Methodological and Theoretical Issuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Listening to Children in Care: A Review of Methodological and Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Looked after Children’s Perspectives

Holland

2009

Children & Society

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This article reviews 44 refereed journal articles published between 2003 and 2008. All of the articles attempt to directly uncover the experiences or perspectives of young people cared for by the state in foster, residential or kinship care homes. The review reveals that this field is developing a rich body of evidence derived from a broad range of methodological and theoretical frameworks. In this sample, research designs appeared to be influenced by placement settings, as well as theoretical orientations, but comparative and longitudinal designs were used in both quantitative and qualitative studies. Participative research designs were only present in qualitative designs within a broadly interpretive theoretical orientation. It is suggested in this article that researchers should critically reflect on the use of constructs that may negatively label young people in care. It is also suggested that there could be fuller reporting of ethical issues. Despite some identified gaps, such as the participation of young people in quantitative research designs and research with younger age groups, the article concludes that there appears to be an encouraging emergence of theoretical and methodological diversity in this research area.

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“…With roots in feminist scholarship, specifically Black Feminist Thought (Collins, 1986), standpoint theory asserts that scholars must center research and thinking from the lives of the oppressed (John, 2011), and that the perspectives of marginalized people can help create more objective accounts of the world (Harding, 1991;McGlish & Bacon, 2003;Swigonski, 1994). Standpoint theory allows traditional "outsiders" to be "insiders" of the research and of the knowledge-building process (Collins, 1986;Unrau, 2007). In this way, standpoint theory serves as a framework to analyze the extant research literature on reentry, and as a way for the voices of actual African American fathers in reentry to be amplified.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I Want a Second Chance”

et al. 2016

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With over 700,000 people on average released from prison each year to communities, greater attention is warranted on the experiences and needs of those who are parents and seeking to develop healthy relationships with their children and families. This study seeks to explore the experiences of African American fathers in reentry. Qualitative data from 16 African American men enrolled in a fellowship program for fathers were collected from a focus group and analyzed for common themes and using standpoint theory. Four themes emerged that focused on fathers’ commitment toward healthy and successful reintegration postincarceration: redemption, employment, health care, and social support. Focus group participants actively strive to develop and rebuild healthy relationships with their children through seeking gainful employment and through bonding with like-minded peers. Barriers in accessing health care are also discussed. Research findings may inform future programs and policies related to supporting fathers and their children in reentry.

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Research on placement moves: Seeking the perspective of foster children

Cited by 61 publications

References 38 publications

Patterns of instability: Moves within the care system, their reasons, contexts and consequences

Patterns of instability: Moves within the care system, their reasons, contexts and consequences

Listening to Children in Care: A Review of Methodological and Theoretical Approaches to Understanding Looked after Children’s Perspectives

“I Want a Second Chance”

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