Anthony N. Maluccio

Family reunification of children in out-of-home care: Research perspectives

Abstract In this introduction to the papers in this special issue, the authors define family reunification within the framework of permanency planning and family preservation; describe the historical and contemporary context of family reunification services; and delineate key research issues, gaps, and directions. Especially crucial is research on differential approaches to practice with children and families from diverse population groups.

Residential Treatment of Emotionally Disturbed Children: A Review of the Literature

This article reviews the literature on selected aspects of residential treatment of emotionally disturbed children and highlights recurring issues concerning criteria for admission, philosophies and methods of treatment, and evaluation of outcome.

Permanency Planning: Another Remedy in Jeopardy?

The course of the child welfare reform permanency planning is discussed. Background, achievements, and unanticipated effects of permanency planning are reviewed, and some directions for thinking about the current crisis in child welfare are suggested.

Rethinking “Child Placement”: A Reflective Essay

This article critically examines the centrality of “child placement” as a defining construct in child welfare services and suggests that preoccupation with the physical location of the child directs attention away from the twin goals of promoting healthy child development in a safe, nurturing context and enhancing the adequacy of family functioning, which should be the central concerns of public policy. The implications of this fixation with placement are explored selectively in the areas of policy, research, and practice. Alternative approaches to thinking about placement are identified along with specific programmatic initiatives and critical research questions.

Kinship care: False dawn or new hope?

Abstract This article draws attention to the increased use of kinship care as a form of out-of-home care for children in Australia. It presents the findings of recent United States research on family reunification from kinship care and on the outcome of kinship care versus nonrelative foster care. The final part of the article lists a set of questions that need to be answered so that guidelines for the use of kinship care can be developed to assist practitioners in decision making.

Protecting children by preserving their families

Abstract The growing emphasis in the field of child welfare in the United States on preserving families has resulted in renewed attention to the reunification of children in out-of-home placement with their families. Yet this form of family preservation is viewed by some as competing with the governments responsibility to protect children. It is true, of course, that in particular cases these two responsibilities are incompatible, and the childs safety and protection become paramount. However, at the philosophical and policy levels family preservation and child protection are complementary rather than competing values. In essence, the best way to protect children is to preserve as much of their families as possible.

Growing up in foster care

Abstract This article reviews research on the impact of growing up in foster care. Most studies reflect methodological limitations, including lack of control groups, biased sampling, retrospective data collection, and incomplete records. Consequently, it is not possible to arrive at definitive conclusions. The available evidence, however, does not support the prevailing view that placement in foster care has an adverse impact on children: Researchers have consistently reported that foster care graduates function well or that no negative effects on the childs adjustment can be detected. Further attention should be given to: (a) the potential role of permanent foster family care as a permanency planning option for certain children and youth; (b) the preparation of adolescents in care for emancipation; and (c) the importance of services and supports in the post-discharge period.

Social work practice with families and children

About the AuthorsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart 1: Knowledge Base 1. Understanding Vulnerable Families and Their Children2. Risks and Vulnerabilities3. Supporting Families and Their Children4. Ethical Issues in Workign with Vulnerable FamiliesPart 2: Practice Base 5. Engagement, Assessment, Case Planning, and Goal Setting6. Family-Centered Intervention7. Social Network Intervention8. School-Based InterventionPart 3: Looking to the Future 9. Evaluation of Practice and Service Delivery10. Future Challenges and OpportunitiesAppendix 1. Tools and Instruments to Support PracticeAppendix 2. National Child Welfare Resource CentersAppendix 3. Other Resource Centers and Information SourcesAppendix 4. Electronic Resources on Family and Childrens ServicesAppendix 5. Electronic Resources on Childrens Special Needs and ExceptionalitiesAppendix 6. Electronic Resources on Schools and Childrens EducationAppendix 7. Electronic Resources on Health of Children and AdultsAppendix 8. Electronic Resources on System Reform and Advocacy for Children and FamiliesAppendix 9. Electronic Resources on Mentoring and Support GroupsAppendix 10. Informational and Training Materials on Alcohol and Substance AbuseReferencesIndex

Learning from the "family preservation" initiative

Abstract The current controversy over the family preservation initiative raises questions about its effectiveness, value, and appropriateness. Our central thesis is that there is an urgent need to move beyond “either/or” thinking and try to ascertain what we have learned from this initiative and what remain as questions for future knowledge building efforts. Our purpose in this brief essay is to offer a few reflections on the family preservation experience to date, to complement the more thorough research reviews and critical analyses that appear elsewhere in this special issue.

The theory, policy, and practice context of family reunification: An integrated research perspective

Abstract This essay reviews three British books that examine family reunification of children placed in out-of-home care and contribute substantially to this area of child and family welfare. The books are: Prevention and Reunification in Child Care , by Peter Marsh and John Triseliotis (1993); Going Home: The Return of Children Separated from Their Families , by Roger Bullock, Michael Little, and Spencer Millham (1993); and In Care at Home—Parenting, the State and Civil Society , by John Pinkerton (1994). These books and other research in this special issue recognize the need to respect the families of children in care and propose new ways to assist families in becoming partners with child welfare agencies and staff. The common focus is on the importance of maximizing child and family participation in the helping process as a regular component in decision making and planning toward the goal of family preservation. There is a need to exchange information, share responsibilities, model respect, and form stronger alliances with children, their families, social workers, and others in the helping network. In addition, these studies evidence that family poverty and related circumstances persist as barriers to family reunification. Through a comprehensive and stimulating discussion of their findings, the authors point to the need to establish a new vision for the welfare of children and families—a vision in which family reunification is a central and lasting component.