Adoption & Fostering

Abstract

Appropriate allegation investigations within social care are paramount to protect children. However, many allegations are unsubstantiated () and result in stress and anxiety for fostering families (), ...

Plain Language Summary

When someone accuses a foster carer of being unsuitable to care for children or of harming a child, it is crucial to investigate these claims thoroughly. These investigations play a vital role in keeping children in foster care safe ...

Abstract

This article highlights the significance of pets for five young women with care experience, examining the impact of disruptions to those relationships when moving into or between care settings. Findings show that pets support the transition to independent ...

Plain Language Summary

This article highlights the significance of pets for five young women with care experience, examining the impact of disruptions to those relationships when moving into or between care settings. Findings show that pets support the ...

Abstract

Adolescents living in care are vulnerable to a range of negative outcomes. Although the mental health and substance use problems of foster youth are widely documented, significantly less research examines the influence of caregivers on these two ...

Plain Language Summary

There is a lack of research investigating the role of caregivers in the development and prevention of mental health issues and substance use among youth living in care. The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between ...

Abstract

Compared to other teenagers, young care leavers tend to have poorer sexual/reproductive and mental health; mental health difficulties may increase risk for poor sexual/reproductive health. This systematic review addresses a gap in knowledge regarding the ...

Plain Language Summary

Most children in the care system are placed with foster carers until the age of 18 years when they transition from being a looked after young person to a care leaver. Leaving care is considered to be a challenging period. Care ...

Abstract

Severe, prolonged early deprivation is associated with later neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite elevated levels of contact with service providers, these problems often persist into adult life and are associated with impairment in adulthood (e.g., ...

Plain Language Summary

People who have experienced severe, prolonged institutional deprivation are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite spending many years in warm, loving families, the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study has ...

Abstract

This study forms part of a major longitudinal research project collaboration between the Anna Freud Centre, Coram and Great Ormond Street Hospital, which set out to explore adopted children’s and adoptive parents’ outcomes and experiences from middle ...

Plain Language Summary

This study draws upon the experiences of adoptive parents, all of whom were mothers, of late-adopted children, currently in early adolescence (aged 12 to 15 years). The study focused on their worries and fears regarding their ...