Placement characteristics and stability: a longitudinal analysis of Norwegian children in foster homes

Abstract

A B S T R AC TThis paper investigates how enhanced support for foster parents, such as covering fees and providing consultants and relief, may reduce the number of replacements experienced by children in foster care. It also investigates the extent to which replacements are associated with family (kin) vs. non-family foster parents, or with legal characteristics of the placement (i.e. forced administrative decisions vs. relief measures agreed upon by the parents). Statistical analyses of administrative data from Norway investigated the longitudinal relationships between these characteristics and the number of replacements at two levels -children (N = 16 109) and municipalities (N = 418) -over 5 years (2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011). The results reveal modest associations between enhanced support and fewer replacements; for example, replacement rates are lower for children placed in homes of kin than in non-family homes. Replacements also tend to be fewer when the placement is forced rather than consensual. bs_bs_banner

“We felt completely left to ourselves.” Foster parents' views on placement disruption

“…A consistent finding in several studies of placement disruption is lack of support and follow-up from CWS (Angel & Blekesaune, 2015;Brown & Bednar, 2006;Khoo & Skoog, 2014). Frequent changes of caseworker and caseworkers who are unavailable and always in a rush often have a negative impact on communication and perceived support (Angel & Blekesaune, 2015). Emotional support, trust, and good communication with the child welfare worker as well as recognition of foster parents' abilities and opinions are important (MacGregor, Rodger, Cummings, & Leschied, 2006;Rhodes, Orme, & Buehler, 2001).…”

“…Foster parents also stress the importance of a good relationship and collaboration with the child welfare worker (Khoo & Skoog, 2014). A consistent finding in several studies of placement disruption is lack of support and follow-up from CWS (Angel & Blekesaune, 2015;Brown & Bednar, 2006;Khoo & Skoog, 2014). Frequent changes of caseworker and caseworkers who are unavailable and always in a rush often have a negative impact on communication and perceived support (Angel & Blekesaune, 2015).…”

The justifications for terminating parental rights and adoption in the United States

“…Children growing up in the foster care system have significantly heightened risk of experiencing difficulties in their transition to adult life (Backe-Hansen et al 2014;Clausen and Kristofersen 2008). The foster care literature shows that placement instability is a considerable problem in all countries (Angel and Blekesaune 2015;Christiansen, Havik, and Anderssen 2010;House CWM 1996a;Konijn et al 2019;Oosterman et al 2007;Quinton 2004, 2004;Stott and Gustavsson 2010), with many children experiencing multiple foster home placements over their childhood. Overall adoption has proven to be a remarkably stable placement, while breakdowns do occasionally happen, their prevalence is far below that of foster care Palacios et al 2018;.…”