Re-entries into residential care: an ecological perspective from professionals views

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the phenomenon of re-entries into Residential Care (RC) facilities from the perspective of professionals within the Child Protection System (CPS). The present study, guided by the bio-ecological model, sought to examine the consequences of re-entry, the factors that contribute to its occurrence, and potential improvements to be made to the CPS to prevent re-entry. Twenty female professionals (aged 26–54) from child protection agencies and RC facilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis yielded 14 themes and 42 subthemes. The findings suggest the deleterious effects of re-entry on children and youth, families, and the CPS itself. These impacts are attributed to factors spanning multiple levels, including the children and youth (e.g., mental health problems), the family (e.g., lack of parenting skills), and the CPS (e.g., inadequate supervision). Proposed strategies for the prevention of re-entries include the implementation of comprehensive assessments prior to the discharge of children and youth from care facilities, the provision of ongoing intensive interventions with parents in natural settings both before and after the removal of the children and youth from the family home, and the undertaking of preparatory work with the children and youth person themselves, with a view to equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to manage expectations and behaviours upon their return home. This study highlights the complexity of re-entries into residential care and emphasises the need for further investigation.