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The psychosocial functioning and family background of children experiencing significant placement instability in Australian out-of-home care

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  • Osborn, Alexandra L.
  • Delfabbro, Paul
  • Barber, James G.

Abstract

This paper profiles the family and social background, and psychosocial wellbeing of 364 children (Mean age = 12.9 years) with a high level of placement instability in Australian out-of-home care. Children were selected based on reliable predictors of instability and detailed interviews were conducted with case-workers, along with extensive case-file readings. The children in this population were found to originate from families that share many risk factors. In most cases, a family history of domestic violence, physical abuse, and parental substance abuse dominated over a history of sexual abuse and neglect. Based on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), over 75% of children were found to have clinical level conduct disorder, two-thirds have peer problems, and around a half are clinically anxious or depressed. The results provided some evidence that children with the poorest overall psychosocial adjustment were most prone to placement breakdowns, but there was no clear relationship between the overall number of family background problems and the level of placement instability. However, individual risk factors, including a history of family violence and abuse were related to more disrupted placement histories for children in care.

Suggested Citation

  • Osborn, Alexandra L. & Delfabbro, Paul & Barber, James G., 2008. "The psychosocial functioning and family background of children experiencing significant placement instability in Australian out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(8), pages 847-860, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:30:y:2008:i:8:p:847-860
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Gendron-Cloutier, Lauranne & Daigneault, Isabelle & Esposito, Tonino, 2024. "Predictors of placement instability for sexually abused children served by child protection services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    3. Tucker, Romina & Mares, Sarah, 2013. "Establishing a mental health service for young children in out-of-home care: The Gumnut Clinic for 0 to 5year olds in Western Sydney," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 205-212.
    4. Khoo, Evelyn & Skoog, Viktoria & Dalin, Rolf, 2012. "In and out of care. A profile and analysis of children in the out-of-home care system in Sweden," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 900-907.
    5. Calheiros, Maria Manuela & Silva, Carla & Patrício, Joana Nunes, 2020. "Maltreatment and youth self-representations in residential care: The moderating role of individual and placement variables," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    6. Scrivens, Catherine & Logan, Jayden & Reid, Natasha, 2023. "Navigating the barriers to supporting neurodevelopmental disorders in children in out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    7. Krishnamoorthy, Govind & Hessing, Paula & Middeldorp, Christel & Branjerdporn, Melissa, 2020. "Effects of the ‘Circle of Security’ group parenting program (COS-P) with foster carers: An observational study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    8. Klag, Stefanie & Fox, Tara & Martin, Graham & Eadie, Kathryn & Bergh, Warren & Keegan, Frank & Turner, Duncan & Raeburn, Narelle, 2016. "Evolve Therapeutic Services: A 5-year outcome study of children and young people in out-of-home care with complex and extreme behavioural and mental health problems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 268-274.
    9. Kim, Soyoun & Chun, JongSerl, 2016. "Aggressive behaviors among Korean children in out-of-home care: The role of placement characteristics," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 56-61.
    10. Mendes, Philip & Snow, Pamela, 2014. "The needs and experiences of young people with a disability transitioning from out-of-home care: The views of practitioners in Victoria, Australia," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 115-123.
    11. Malvaso, Catia G & Delfabbro, Paul H & Day, Andrew, 2017. "Child maltreatment and criminal convictions in youth: The role of gender, ethnicity and placement experiences in an Australian population," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 57-65.

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