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Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Authors:Louisa M Roberts, Alyson Rees, Daisy Elliott, Sophie Wood Pages: 7 - 29 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 7-29, March 2024. Appropriate allegation investigations within social care are paramount to protect children. However, many allegations are unsubstantiated (Biehal et al., 2014) and result in stress and anxiety for fostering families (Adams, Hassett and Lumsden, 2018), financial uncertainty (Boffey, Stanton and Thomas, 2019), unplanned endings and foster carers leaving their role (Adams, Hassett and Lumsden, 2018). There is little research into the prevalence, nature and outcomes of allegations against foster carers. This UK-based study uses The Fostering Network’s State of the Nation’s Foster Care (SOTN) 2021 survey and analyses responses from 3,352 UK foster carers and 99 fostering service staff. Qualitative findings reflect six themes: (1) emotional impacts, (2) financial implications, (3) independent support, (4) social services involvement, (5) understanding allegations, and (6) children being removed or foster carers leaving their role. Quantitative findings show only 25% of those experiencing an allegation believed they were sufficiently communicated with, only 20% believed specified timescales were adhered to, 57% did not receive independent support, and 36% said no support was offered to children in their home. Poor information-sharing and lack of support were found to have exacerbated the stress experienced.Plain Language SummaryWhen someone accuses a foster carer of being unsuitable to care for children or of harming a child, it is crucial to investigate these claims thoroughly. These investigations play a vital role in keeping children in foster care safe from harm. Listening to the concerns of children and young people and taking their opinions seriously can also contribute to their improved self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing.Research shows that many of the allegations made against foster carers are unsubstantiated, meaning there is not enough evidence to decide if the event occurred or not. Regardless of the outcome, these investigations often have negative side effects for foster carers and their families including stress, anxiety and financial uncertainty. In addition, allegation investigations can lead to children and young people’s placements ending and foster carers stopping fostering.The Fostering Network’s State of the Nation’s Foster Care (SOTN) 2021 survey in the UK asked foster carers and fostering services about their experiences of allegations. This study looked at the responses to the survey, which found that allegation investigations were often very difficult and emotional experiences for foster carers and their families and sometimes caused financial difficulty. There seemed to be a lack of independent support, and foster carers often felt unsupported by social services. Foster carers’ understanding of allegation processes was sometimes unclear, and it seemed that allegations could lead to children being abruptly removed from their placements as well as foster carers ending their fostering role.The strengths and limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions are made to improve how foster carers are supported through allegation investigations. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:37Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759231212501 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
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Authors:Janine Muldoon, Joanne Williams Pages: 30 - 56 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 30-56, March 2024. This article highlights the significance of pets for five young women with care experience, examining the impact of disruptions to those relationships when moving into or between care settings. Findings show that pets support the transition to independent living and mental health. Participants’ reflections also reveal how pets are a source of comfort and stability for children growing up in families experiencing difficult circumstances. Loss is therefore traumatic because of the support pets provided and the context surrounding loss. Despite their significance, pets were largely absent from discussions and processes associated with managing care transitions. Adults and perceived constraints in residential care dictated what happened with respect to pets. Neither consulted nor supported, children were left to cope on their own. Attention to pets should be an integral part of the process of managing care transitions and it is imperative that the impact of pet loss (at any stage in children’s lives) is understood and supported. Otherwise, the system may inadvertently foster a perpetual loop of mistrust and relational losses. We consider how some local authorities are starting to manage this process (considering pets in the family or foster carers’ homes), and existing guidance on introducing animals in residential care.Plain Language SummaryThis article highlights the significance of pets for five young women with care experience, examining the impact of disruptions to those relationships when moving into or between care settings. Findings show that pets support the transition to independent living and mental health. Participants’ reflections also reveal how pets are a source of comfort and stability for children growing up in families experiencing difficult circumstances. Loss is therefore traumatic because of the support pets provided and the context surrounding loss. Despite their significance, pets were largely absent from discussions and processes associated with managing care transitions. Adults and perceived constraints in residential care dictated what happened with respect to pets. Neither consulted nor supported, children were left to cope on their own. Attention to pets should be an integral part of the process of managing care transitions and it is imperative that the impact of pet loss (at any stage in children’s lives) is understood and supported. Otherwise, the system may inadvertently foster a perpetual loop of mistrust and relational losses. We consider how some local authorities are starting to manage this process (considering pets in the family or foster carers’ homes), and existing guidance on introducing animals in residential care. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:39Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759231220408 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
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Authors:Greggory Cullen Pages: 57 - 81 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 57-81, March 2024. Adolescents living in care are vulnerable to a range of negative outcomes. Although the mental health and substance use problems of foster youth are widely documented, significantly less research examines the influence of caregivers on these two dimensions of health and wellbeing. Given the importance of caregivers to the development of adolescents in child welfare, the present study investigates the relationship between caregiver characteristics, caregiver attachment and placement type on mental health and substance use. The sample consists of 1,093 young people taken from the 2016 Ontario Looking After Children project who are between 16 and 17 years of age. Findings suggest that caregiver attachment, caregiver gender and the caregiver’s school expectations are all significantly associated with mental health and substance use among this population. Results will inform child welfare professionals about a number of risk-predictive factors of mental health and substance use problems among a sample of young people preparing to transition to adulthood. These findings will help service providers design policies and intervention strategies to improve the future outcomes of youth involved in child welfare.Plain Language SummaryThere is a lack of research investigating the role of caregivers in the development and prevention of mental health issues and substance use among youth living in care. The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between caregiver characteristics, caregiver attachment and placement type on two dimensions of mental health and substance use among a sample of older youth living in care. The data used for this study were collected as part of the Ontario Looking After Children project, which was developed to assess the needs and developmental progress of children and young people who have been in care for at least a year. Findings from this study show that caregiver attachment, caregiver’s gender and caregiver’s school expectations are all significantly associated with mental health and substance use among older youth living in care. These findings highlight the importance of developing and maintaining healthy caregiver–child relationships as well as active involvement by the caregiver in the youth’s schooling. Stable living environments will also help these young people to build and maintain healthy bonds with their community and peers. These results will inform future policies and intervention strategies aimed at improving the future outcomes for youth involved in child welfare. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:31Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759231216068 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
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Authors:Leanne Bogen-Johnston, Natalie Edelman, Ruth Sellers Pages: 82 - 104 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 82-104, March 2024. Compared to other teenagers, young care leavers tend to have poorer sexual/reproductive and mental health; mental health difficulties may increase risk for poor sexual/reproductive health. This systematic review addresses a gap in knowledge regarding the effectiveness of existing interventions that support care leavers’ sexual/reproductive health (e.g., contraception, pregnancy choices, early parenting). Eight published articles spanning six interventions were eligible. Interventions were associated with improvements in a range of sexual/reproductive health measures (e.g., sexual health knowledge; knowledge of where to get support; attitudes to sexual health practices), with some indicative improvements in self-esteem. However, some studies suggested these improvements may not be sustained. Interventions tended to include a broad age range, with limited programmes specifically aimed at care leavers. While some programmes focused on attitudes toward reproductive health and pregnancy (i.e., contraception), we identified no programme focusing on parenthood choice. We also identified no sexual/reproductive health programme that targeted or assessed associated mental health problems, despite evidence of associations between sexual health and mental health difficulties. Findings suggest that care leavers may benefit from specific sexual/reproductive health supports, but further evidence is needed. Findings also indicate a need for more holistic supports that integrate mental health supports with reproductive/sexual health and consider care leaver decision-making.Plain Language SummaryMost children in the care system are placed with foster carers until the age of 18 years when they transition from being a looked after young person to a care leaver. Leaving care is considered to be a challenging period. Care leavers are more likely to face multiple challenges and are at increased risk for a range of multiple outcomes compared to the rest of the population. These include poor mental health, early pregnancy and parenthood and removal of their own children from their care. The aim of the present study was to systematically review evidence of existing interventions that support care leavers regarding sexual and reproductive health (e.g., contraception and pregnancy choices) and associated mental health, and to consider the effectiveness of such interventions.We identified eight published articles spanning six interventions. Interventions were associated with improvements in a range of sexual/reproductive health measures (e.g., sexual health knowledge, knowledge of where to get support and attitudes to sexual health practices), with some improvements in self-esteem. However, some studies suggested that improvements may not be maintained.Available intervention evidence recognises the importance of supporting sexual health for care-experienced youth; however, while several studies recognised the importance of focusing on attitudes to parenthood, none focused on parenthood choice. None assessed or incorporated mental health needs despite associations between mental and sexual health. Furthermore, few focused specifically on supports during a key transition (such as exiting the care system), despite evidence of increased risk during this period. Further evidence is needed to better address the needs of care-experienced youth. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:34Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759231212496 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
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Authors:Christopher Edwards, Mark Kennedy, Nicky Knights, Hanna Kovshoff, Jana Kreppner, Barbara Maughan, Edmund Sonuga-Barke Pages: 106 - 125 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 106-125, March 2024. Severe, prolonged early deprivation is associated with later neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite elevated levels of contact with service providers, these problems often persist into adult life and are associated with impairment in adulthood (e.g., unemployment, higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms and poorer subjective wellbeing). Here, we aimed to explore the ongoing service needs and experiences of adoptees and their parents from the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study, in those with a history of early deprivation and neurodevelopmental problems. Our descriptive thematic analysis highlighted difficulties with independent living, particularly financial management and problems with decision-making. Where specific forms of support had been accessed (e.g., medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) they were often helpful, although there was some ambivalence towards taking medication due to side effects. However, the neurodevelopmental problems were not well understood and were often overlooked by service providers. There is a need for greater awareness among frontline service providers of the neurodevelopmental impact of early adversity. Participants also identified that their support needs were largely unmet and that their parents were having to fill this gap. Similarities and differences between the experiences highlighted here and those identified with idiopathic neurodevelopmental disorders are discussed, as are several recommendations for educational improvements for service providers.Plain Language SummaryPeople who have experienced severe, prolonged institutional deprivation are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite spending many years in warm, loving families, the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study has shown that these problems often persist into adulthood and are associated with a range of negative outcomes. Importantly, these poorer outcomes seem to occur despite contact with support/service providers. In this study, we interviewed the adoptees and their parents about their support needs, and experiences with trying to obtain support and communicate with service providers. Support needs included help with independent living and support with managing finances. Our participants described a range of difficulties with obtaining support, including a lack of understanding of the link between early adversity and later mental health, and that neurodevelopmental problems were often overlooked. Consequently, the adoptive parents had largely been left to fill this gap in unmet needs. However, where support had been accessed, it was often described as helpful. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:36Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759231212497 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
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Authors:Saul Hillman, Nahed Lajmi, Miriam Steele, Jill Hodges, John Simmonds, Jeanne Kaniuk Pages: 126 - 148 Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Volume 48, Issue 1, Page 126-148, March 2024. This study forms part of a major longitudinal research project collaboration between the Anna Freud Centre, Coram and Great Ormond Street Hospital, which set out to explore adopted children’s and adoptive parents’ outcomes and experiences from middle childhood through to adolescence. In this paper, 17 adoptive mothers of late adopted children, currently in early adolescence (aged 12 to 15 years), were interviewed. The focus of the study draws upon their worries and fears regarding their children during adolescence and as they approach adulthood. The Parent Development Interviews (PDI) were analysed using thematic analysis and generated five overarching themes: Vulnerability, Violence, Derailing opportunities, Autonomy and Anxieties about the birth family. This qualitative exploration provides strong evidence for how these parents reflected upon very concrete challenges and anxieties about their child’s journey, including both their current context and anticipated outcomes. The overwhelming majority of research to date on this population examines negative outcomes quantitatively; this study adds an important qualitative layer of the parents’ own perspectives.Plain Language SummaryThis study draws upon the experiences of adoptive parents, all of whom were mothers, of late-adopted children, currently in early adolescence (aged 12 to 15 years). The study focused on their worries and fears regarding their children during adolescence and as they approach adulthood. Seventeen adoptive parents were interviewed using the Parent Development Interview (PDI) and the data were analysed using thematic analysis and generated five overarching themes: Vulnerability, Violence, Derailing opportunities, Autonomy and Anxieties about the birth family. This study provides strong evidence for how these parents identified and reflected upon very real challenges and anxieties about their child’s journey including both their current lives and anticipated futures. Citation: Adoption & Fostering PubDate: 2024-03-21T02:54:35Z DOI: 10.1177/03085759241236468 Issue No:Vol. 48, No. 1 (2024)
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Authors:Roger Bullock Abstract: Adoption & Fostering, Ahead of Print.
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
