Jennifer Osmond

Permanency Planning in Foster Care: A Research Review and Guidelines for Practitioners

Abstract Permanency planning is a systematic, goal-directed and timely approach to case planning for children subject to child protection intervention aimed at promoting stability and continuity. The present paper reviews research into the area of permanency planning within the foster care system, with the aim of promoting research-informed policy and practice. Research published in both journals and books between 1998 and 2005 was reviewed. Exceptions to this were previously published seminal articles and texts that are theoretically and empirically important. The results of the present review indicate that permanency planning is theoretically informed by attachment theory and understandings of child development and identity formation. Decision making should be individualised, timely and culturally appropriate. Children themselves, their parents and carers all need to be involved in planning. Practitioners must be prepared to undertake extensive observation and assessment to serve the best interests of children when making permanency decisions.

Reflective analysis: Techniques for facilitating reflection

This paper describes a number of techniques for facilitating reflective critical analysis as a means of eliciting in-depth reflections on practice. The authors have previously used similar techniques in the research context, to assist practitioners to identify and analyse the basis of their work with clients. The techniques presented in this paper have been adapted for use in social work education, including in class-based and field education contexts, and to professional supervision.

Use of Theory and Research in Social Work Practice: Implications for Knowledge-Based Practice

Abstract This article presents findings of a small-scale, multi-method study of social workers’ use of knowledge in practice. The sample included 10 social workers employed in a statutory child-protection context who participated in three stages of data collection, which encompassed six research techniques: in-depth interviewing, observation, think-aloud, unstructured interviewing, reflective recall and knowledge mapping. Despite the innovative, intensive multi-method research design, which afforded participants considered latitude and opportunity to express what they know, most participants did not demonstrate a coherent, comprehensive and elaborated theory and research base to their practice. The results of the present study combined, with previous empirical research on this topic, highlight the necessity to engage with and promote knowledge-based practice.

Measuring Client Satisfaction with Child Welfare Services

This article examines the role of client satisfaction indicators in child welfare agency performance measurement. It examines both research and performance measurement efforts to understand client perspectives on child protection and out-of-home care services. It highlights the value of obtaining data from clients about their experience of the service delivered by the agency and its impact on their lives. Conceptual, methodological and ethical issues in implementing routine, standardized data collection on client satisfaction are discussed. Measuring client satisfaction within a suite of performance indicators is an example of how practitioners and managers can use one of the tools of managerialism in the interests of clients and good practice.

Child Aware Practice in Adult Social Services: A Scoping Review

Abstract The development of “child aware” practice is about the capacity and capability of adult health and social service providers to identify and respond to the needs of children. A scoping review of the literature considered five adult adversities associated with family stress and reduced parenting capacity: mental illness, alcohol and substance abuse, homelessness, intellectual disability, and domestic violence. Although there are specific needs for children pertaining to particular adversities, there was substantial commonality of potential effects. These included emotional and psychological difficulties, physical and mental health problems, academic difficulties, language delays, peer difficulties, stigma, trauma reactions, loss and grief, instability, and social exclusion. How children react to difficulties in their family depends upon various protective factors, a childs frame of reference, and other dynamics within the family that can offset risks. The findings aim to inform policy, program development, and practice in adult social services, enhancing their responsiveness to children.