Objective – Some of the most vulnerable children and youths in our country are those in out of home care, and these children demonstrate higher rates of psychopathology and fare more poorly in school and in social relationships than their peers. Typically, when studying at risk populations, negative outcomes are examined, thereby ignoring those who do well despite their vulnerability. These children, who demonstrate positive patterns of functioning and development despite their exposure to adversity, are considered resilient. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children and youths in out of home care. Method – The study sample was comprised of 417 children 10 to 15 years old in Ontario who had been removed from their homes of origin and placed in out of home care. Predictor variables were selected based on previous research findings in the area of resilient outcome. In the cross-sectional study, a series of sequential logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children in out of home care. These children were then followed one year later. In the longitudinal study, another series of sequential logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables that were related to future resilient outcomes among the same children in out of home care. Results – The findings showed that many of the independent variables predicted resilient outcome on the different dimensions. Furthermore, overall resilient outcome was best predicted by the foster parental report of high sociability. Conclusion – The findings in the present study confirmed that there exists a subset of resilient children among children in out of home care. The findings allowed for the identification of some factors related to resilient outcome among this population. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 211-224). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Objective – Some of the most vulnerable children and youths in our country are those in out of home care, and these children demonstrate higher rates of psychopathology and fare more poorly in school and in social relationships than their peers. Typically, when studying at risk populations, negative outcomes are examined, thereby ignoring those who do well despite their vulnerability. These children, who demonstrate positive patterns of functioning and development despite their exposure to adversity, are considered resilient. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children and youths in out of home care. Method – The study sample was comprised of 417 children 10 to 15 years old in Ontario who had been removed from their homes of origin and placed in out of home care. Predictor variables were selected based on previous research findings in the area of resilient outcome. In the cross-sectional study, a series of sequential logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children in out of home care. These children were then followed one year later. In the longitudinal study, another series of sequential logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables that were related to future resilient outcomes among the same children in out of home care. Results – The findings showed that many of the independent variables predicted resilient outcome on the different dimensions. Furthermore, overall resilient outcome was best predicted by the foster parental report of high sociability. Conclusion – The findings in the present study confirmed that there exists a subset of resilient children among children in out of home care. The findings allowed for the identification of some factors related to resilient outcome among this population. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Background: The role of foster carer is a complex and emotionally demanding one. This is particularly true in the presence of difficult behaviour which can, at times, leave the foster carer feeling overwhelmed and increases the risk of placement breaking down. It is therefore important to find ways to support foster carers. The present study sought to explore the lived experience of foster carers caring for children who presented with difficult to manage behaviour, with consideration given to their attachment characteristics. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to generate a grounded theory of foster carers’ experience of caring for a child who presents with difficult to manage behaviour, in order to inform supports. Method: The study adopted a qualitatively driven mixed methods design (QUAL+quan). Grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was used as the primary component. Eight female foster carers, with either past or present experience of caring for a child who they felt presented them with difficult to manage behaviour, were interviewed. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Adult attachment data was gathered to elaborate and enhance the interpretation of the foster carers’ narratives. Foster carer’s attachment characteristics were measured using The Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ: Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994), and the presence of behavioural difficulties were confirmed using the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC: Tarren-Sweeney, 2007). Results: A core category emerged from the grounded theory analysis (‘Making Sense’) in addition to five main categories (‘Personal Impact’, ‘What Helps’, ‘What Makes it Difficult’, ‘Responding’ and ‘The Relationship’). The overarching theme to emerge from the research was the influence foster carer’s level of reflection and understanding of the behaviour (their mentalizing capacity) had on their experience of the child’s difficult behaviour, which appeared to relate to their attachment characteristics in addition to a number of internal and external factors. Consideration is given to the psychological process that emerged from the categories generated from the foster carers’ narratives, and the consequent proposed ground theory. Conclusions: The findings confirm the complexity of the foster caring role, and suggest the positive impact foster carer’s reflective stance can have on their experience of difficult behaviour in the child they care for. Research strengths and limitations are discussed, in addition to clinical practice and research implications.

Objective – Some of the most vulnerable children and youths in our country are those in out of home care, and these children demonstrate higher rates of psychopathology and fare more poorly in school and in social relationships than their peers. Typically, when studying at risk populations, negative outcomes are examined, thereby ignoring those who do well despite their vulnerability. These children, who demonstrate positive patterns of functioning and development despite their exposure to adversity, are considered resilient. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children and youths in out of home care. Method – The study sample was comprised of 417 children 10 to 15 years old in Ontario who had been removed from their homes of origin and placed in out of home care. Predictor variables were selected based on previous research findings in the area of resilient outcome. In the cross-sectional study, a series of sequential logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with a resilient outcome among children in out of home care. These children were then followed one year later. In the longitudinal study, another series of sequential logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables that were related to future resilient outcomes among the same children in out of home care. Results – The findings showed that many of the independent variables predicted resilient outcome on the different dimensions. Furthermore, overall resilient outcome was best predicted by the foster parental report of high sociability. Conclusion – The findings in the present study confirmed that there exists a subset of resilient children among children in out of home care. The findings allowed for the identification of some factors related to resilient outcome among this population. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

abstract: Although child welfare services are anticipated, in part, to lessen the negative influence of maltreatment on childhood and adolescent development, there is evidence that involvement in the foster care system negatively affects adolescent substance use. Within the literature, limited empirical research has emerged in regard to this issue. The present study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by examining the association between baseline biological, psychological, and social risk and protective factors on adolescent involvement in substance use, and frequency of substance use, over a period of 24 months for foster care involved youth. Furthermore, the present study compares substance use behaviors between youth with differing experiences of maltreatment subtypes and severity levels. Data come from VOYAGES, a longitudinal study of older adolescents in the custody of the Missouri Children’s Division for foster care services. The current analysis reports on those youth who completed both the baseline and the final interview (N=323). Key findings include significant associations between baseline peer substance use, lowered levels of school commitment, mentorship, and familial support with later adolescent substance use. Overall, the existence of numerous individual risk factors far outweighs the potential of protective factors buffering against subsequent substance use in the current study. The foster care system, although well-intentioned, potentially barricades individuals from successfully navigating through adolescence and early adulthood without engaging in risky behaviors such as substance use. Given the high prevalence of substance use among those placed in the care of the foster care system, prevention efforts for this population requires an improved understanding of psychosocial risk and protective factors. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Criminology and Criminal Justice 2019

No description available.

Följande uppsats syftade till att undersöka hur en standardiserad bedömningsmetod för rekrytering av familjehem (BRA-fam) implementerats utifrån ett urval av de kommuner som deltog i Socialstyrelsens pilotstudie (bilaga 1). Även sambandet mellan delaktighet och tillfredsställelse med implementering och förhållandet mellan forskning, profession och brukare undersöktes. Empirin har samlats in kvantitativt genom telefonintervjuer baserade på strukturerade enkäter. 46 kommuner som ingick i pilotstudien kontaktades, varav 30 familjehemsutredare besvarade frågorna (bilaga 2). Svaren har därefter redovisats och tolkats i form av tabeller och i text. Resultaten som analyserats och relaterats till teorier visar att utredning med BRA-fam-metoden upplevdes ha hög validitet och reliabilitet. Dock fanns svagheter i resultatet avseende delaktigheten i både metodval och implementering av metoden vilket kan bero på för få deltagare i undersökningen.Sammanfattningsvis framkom behov av att utvärdera rekryteringsmetoder inom familjehemsvården då implementering och användningen av metoden skiljer sig åt.Kommunerna har inte implementerat BRA-fam i sin helhet utifrån Socialstyrelsens rekommendationer. Användandet av metoden kan även skilja sig mellan såväl kommuner som privata aktörer. Förslag på förbättringsåtgärder och utvecklingsområden avseende implementering av metoder redovisas under rubrik Diskussioner och slutsatser.Ytterligare förslag ges för att närma sig en evidensbaserad, likvärdig och enhetlig rekryterings-metod inom familjehemsvården i Sverige. Detta för att om möjligt stödja, stärka och främja relationen mellan forskning, profession och brukare framöver och för att kunna möta de förändringar och utmaningar som ett samhälle utsätts och bär ansvar för. / The following essay purpose was to examine how a standardized assessment method for recruitment of foster homes (BRA-fam) implemented on a selection of the municipalities that participated in the National Board of Health and Welfare´s pilot study (appendix 1). The connection between participation and satisfaction with the implementation and the relationship between research, professionals and foster care system were also examined. Empirical data was gathered through quantity telephone interviews based on structured questionnaires. 46 municipalities who participated in the pilot study were contacted, of which 30 foster investigators answered the questions (appendix 2). The answers are then interpreted and reported in the form of tables and in the text. The results were analyzed and related to theories shows that investigation with BRA-fam method was perceived to have high validity and reliability. However, there were weaknesses concerning participation in both the methodology and implementation of this but might be consequences due to few participants.In summary, it emerged the need to evaluate the recruitment methods in practices within the foster home system and BRA-fam because the implementation and use of the method may differ. The municipalities have not implemented BRA-fam in its entirely based on the National Board of Health and Welfare recommendations. The use of the method differs between both municipalities and private operators. Suggestions for improvement and developmental areas regarding implementation of methods are presented in Discussion and conclusions.Further suggestions are given for approaching an evidence based, equitable and consistent recruitment method in foster care in Sweden. To support, strengthen and promote the relationship between research, professionals and social service users in the future and to meet the changes and challenges that a society is exposed to and responsible.

ABSTRACT This is a comprehensive study of youth in the foster care system. It examines perceptual experiences of the youth before, during, and after transitioning to independent living. Additionally, it delineates their exposure to employment, education, mentors, and counseling programs. Furthermore, it renders social work practitioners with insight on the tensions and challenges transitioning youth face before and after conversion, as well as available programs to assist the youth throughout the transitioning phase – specifically, programs that: Pursue educational and vocational opportunities; Build supportive relationships and connections; Assist with finding and maintaining employment; Teach money management skills; Assist with securing housing; Help maintain health and wellness; and, Develop additional life skills. This study highlights the future of transitioning youth and the types of assistance needed to help them age‑out of foster care gracefully and live productive lives. The factors herein are not only critical, but meticulously evaluated and considered top priority during the collection of data for purposes of this research.

A large number of children find themselves in foster care situations in South Africa with placements that have to be monitored by social workers. This is a demanding task, given the nature of foster placements and the high caseloads of social workers responsible for monitoring of foster placements. Although a wealth of information on resource management is to be found in the prevailing literature, no comparative volume of information is to be found on foster care resources in child welfare in particular. A model for resource management in this field must still be developed. In view of this and considering the role occupied by the researcher in the Kerklike Maatskaplike Diens: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa, it was decided to embark on a research project investigating the use of resources in the field of child welfare, specifically with foster care social workers. The aim of the study is to assess whether adequate resources are available. The availability and utilisation of resources in the field of child welfare is under-researched and a resource management system for this purpose should still be developed. The research results indicated that social workers monitoring foster care placements have high caseloads and that resources, even though they are utilised to a certain extent, are not always accessible or effective. The most important learning needs were related to organisational, community and professional resources that could be considered unrealistic, ineffective, inaccessible and not feasible in most circumstances. Further main challenges are a lack of resources and time, a lack of co-operation from the foster parents and the biological parents respectively and the shortage of foster care social workers in South Africa. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.