A Response to No One Ever Asked Us: A Review of Children’s Experiences in Out-of-Home Care

Abstract

Recent research on children in out-of-home care has highlighted their demographic characteristics, their physical and mental health status, and case outcomes, yet the body of literature examining children's perspectives on care is relatively limited. This review provides an overview of almost two dozen studies examining children's experiences of care. Findings from studies involving interviews with current and former foster youth are reviewed in relation to four child welfare goals: (1) protecting children from harm; (2) fostering children's well-being; (3) supporting children's families; and (4) promoting permanence. Implications for improved child welfare practice are offered.

In search of connection: The foster youth and caregiver relationship

“…Havlicek (2011) has emphasized the importance of taking into account the varying contexts and factors that influence youth’s transitions to adulthood, particularly their frequent placement disruptions. In general, length of stay in a foster home appears to be positively correlated with closer youth and foster caregiver relationships (Fox & Berrick, 2007; Zimmerman, 1982). Although positive relationships between foster youth and their caregivers is associated with youth’s self-reported feelings of safety and well-being (Fox & Berrick, 2007), and bonding to caring and trusted adults is pivotal for optimal adolescent development (Ahrens, Richardson, Lozano, Fan, & DuBois, 2008; Osgood, Foster, & Courtney, 2010), there has been limited research on non-behaviorally challenged foster youth’s relationships with caregivers.…”

Adapting an evidence-based parenting program for child welfare involved teens and their caregivers

“…Studies of the alliance/relationship between caregivers and youth in treatment foster care have demonstrated that positive relationships between foster parents and youth are critically important for achieving desired emotional and behavioral outcomes among emotionally disturbed youth in out-of-home care (Bickman et al, 2004; Chamberlain, 2003; Kazdin, Marciano, & Whitley, 2005; Rauktis et al, 2005; Shirk & Karver, 2003; Southerland, Mustillo, Farmer, Stambaugh, & Murray, 2009). Despite evidence that a positive relationship between children and their foster caregivers and/or caring adults is important for healthy development and a sense of wellbeing (Ahrens et al, 2008; A. Fox & Berrick, 2007; Osgood et al, 2010), relatively little is known about how best to create and strengthen the relationship between non-behaviorally challenged foster youth and their caregivers.…”

Measuring Client Satisfaction with Child Welfare Services

“…The importance of obtaining client perspectives has been recognized in research to some degree. A recent review of research on out-ofhome care located twenty-two studies that included children's perspectives, dating back to Fanshel and Shinn's 1978 study (cited in Fox & Berrick, 2007). Most of these studies used interview methods of data collection.…”

“…Most of these studies used interview methods of data collection. On the whole, children have indicated that they felt safer in out-of-home care, expressed the importance to them of maintaining relationships with family of origin members while building new relationships in care, and want to be properly included in decision-making (Delfabbro, Barber & Bentham, 2002;Fox & Berrick, 2007).…”