Nicola Atwool

Attachment and resilience: Implications for children in care

Attachment theory and resilience theory have developed as two separate bodies of knowledge with their own genealogy. In this paper it is argued that the concepts of attachment and resilience should be regarded as complementary and that each is strengthened by such an approach. The cultural implications are discussed with particular reference to the indigenous population of Aotearoa New Zealand and a case is made for the importance of attachment as a crucial factor in minimising risk and maximising resiliency for children in need of care and protection.

Birth Family Contact for Children in Care: How Much? How Often? Who With?

Irrespective of type of placement, contact with the birth family is one of the more contentious issues in decision-making for children in care. Despite widespread belief that contact with the birth family is beneficial for children and young people in care, this aspect of childrens care experience has not received a great deal of attention. In this article I review the literature and draw on research I have undertaken to explore the views of children and young people in care, foster parents, and social work practitioners. The complexity of belonging to more than one family is discussed and tensions in relation to contact with the birth family are identified. It becomes clear that each situation is unique and that there is no “rule of thumb” that can be applied. Five key variables are identified: child or young persons developmental stage and history; child or young persons views and wishes; type of placement and future goals; cultural factors; and work with birth families. Practice guidelines in relation to these are developed in the final section.

Participation in Decision-making: The Experience of New Zealand Children in Care

One of the objections to a childrens rights perspective is that children are unable to accept the responsibilities that go with rights. If children are to attain the status of citizens and exercise the responsibilities of citizenship, participation during childhood is essential. Yet children are frequently excluded when important decisions have to be made. This paper examines childrens participation in decision-making from the perspective of New Zealand children in care. The paper discusses the importance of childrens participation in decision-making, outlines the current situation in New Zealand, and identifies both the blocks to childrens participation and the resulting consequences. Particular attention is paid to the implications of this perspective for New Zealands indigenous population. The paper presents arguments in favour of increasing childrens participation and suggests changes necessary to achieve this.

Journeys of Exclusion: Unpacking the Experience of Adolescent Care Leavers in New Zealand

New Zealand has one of the youngest leaving care ages in the developed world (17th birthday) and has lagged behind other countries in providing robust legislation and policy to support care leavers. Although this is a significant factor in our failure to meet their needs (Ashton, 2014; Boshier & Wademan, 2010), a review of the international literature demonstrates that legislation is not the panacea (Broad, 1999; Courtney, Lee & Perez, 2011; Mendes, Johnson & Moslehuddin, 2011; Stott, 2013). Drawing on international developments, marginalization as a theoretical framework for understanding the experience of care leavers is explored. The New Zealand situation provides a case study highlighting processes of marginalization. A discussion of reforms needed and implications for policy and practice in other countries concludes this chapter.

Life Story Work: Optional Extra or Fundamental Entitlement?.

ABSTRACT In Aotearoa New Zealand the importance of life story books is outlined in the policy of our statutory care and protection agency Child, Youth and Family. Many children in care do not have access to such a resource, however, suggesting that social workers view this as an optional extra or “nice to have” rather than integral to good practice. This article begins with an outline of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. The function and purpose of life story work and theoretical underpinnings are explored in order to address the question posed in the articles title. I argue that life story work is a fundamental entitlement which is often overlooked in practice. The article concludes with a discussion of dilemmas and challenges before identifying changes needed in the New Zealand context.