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Socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions of parents with children in out-of-home care: A qualitative systematic review

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  • Ross, Sydney
  • Jackisch, Josephine
  • Almquist, Ylva B

Abstract

Families who have contact with child welfare services (CWS) often face a number of socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges, which may have led to the parents being unable to adequately care for their children. To date, understandings regarding the parents’ socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions after the placement of a child are limited. A database search of PubMed, Sociological abstract, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed to identify studies that investigate the socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions of parents with children in OHC published between January 1, 1980 and November 20, 2021. Of 19,750 screened articles, 51 qualitative articles met the inclusion criteria. Emerging themes relating to parents’ subjective experiences were synthesized into three overarching themes: (1) experiencing a loss, (2) living a fragile reality, and (3) opportunity for change. The results demonstrate that more support is needed for parents as the placement of their child is a challenging time that places stress on their psychosocial and socioeconomic conditions, no matter the reason for placement. With the right support, positive adaptations could be possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Ross, Sydney & Jackisch, Josephine & Almquist, Ylva B, 2025. "Socioeconomic and psychosocial conditions of parents with children in out-of-home care: A qualitative systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:170:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925000465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108163
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baum, Nehami & Negbi, Irit, 2013. "Children removed from home by court order: Fathers' disenfranchised grief and reclamation of paternal functions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(10), pages 1679-1686.
    2. Healy, Karen & Venables, Jemma & Walsh, Tamara, 2023. "Supporting birth parents’ relationships with children following removal: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    3. Kenny, Kathleen S. & Barrington, Clare, 2018. "“People just don't look at you the same way”: Public stigma, private suffering and unmet social support needs among mothers who use drugs in the aftermath of child removal," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 209-216.
    4. Crettenden, Angela & Wright, Annemarie & Beilby, Erin, 2014. "Supporting families: Outcomes of placement in voluntary out-of-home care for children and young people with disabilities and their families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 57-64.
    5. Straatmann, Viviane S. & Rajesh, Tanishta & Bennett, Davara & Forsman, Hilma & Liu, Can & Taylor-Robinson, David & Brännström, Lars & Melis, Gabriella & Schlüter, Daniela K. & Jackisch, Josephine & Al, 2024. "Socioeconomic and psychosocial outcomes of parents with children in out-of-home care: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    6. Gilbert, Neil, 2012. "A comparative study of child welfare systems: Abstract orientations and concrete results," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 532-536.
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