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Volume 50 Issue 2, April 2026
Editorial
Free accessEditorialFirst published April 2, 2026pp. 125–128
Articles
Abstract
Background
Foster carers (including kinship carers) play an essential part in the lives of children
in care, but the role can be challenging, necessitating effective support. However,
there is a lack of evidence for which types of support are most ...
Plain language summary
Foster and kinship carers play a vital role for children in care but need effective support. In this study, the Reflective Fostering Programme improved carers’ ability to be reflective about their own and their child’s thoughts and ...Open AccessResearch articleFirst published February 8, 2026pp. 129–157
Abstract
Background
The present study aimed to explore the attachment and internal representations among
looked after children who experience conduct difficulties (CDi). CDi were explored
alongside levels of emotional symptoms (ES), as were how young people ...
Plain language summary
This study looked at behaviour problems in children aged four to 11 who were living in foster care. The researchers wanted to understand how these children thought about themselves, other people and the world around them – and ...Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published April 10, 2026pp. 158–185
Abstract
The UK’s foster care system supports over two thirds of children in care, with the majority being in care due to maltreatment, neglect or family-related adversities. While evidence shows that children in care face greater risks of emotional, behavioural ...Plain language summary
In the UK, the vast majority of children in care are supported within the foster care system, often due to experiences of maltreatment, neglect or family difficulties. These early adversities can have a knock-on effect on a child or ...Open AccessResearch articleFirst published January 29, 2026pp. 186–215
Abstract
This study analyses birth mothers’ primary motivations for placing their child for adoption, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing these choices. The researchers examined open-ended survey question responses from ...Plain language summary
This study examines why birth mothers decide to place their children for adoption. The researchers looked at survey responses from 768 birth mothers who placed a child for private domestic adoption and asked what their primary ...Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February 22, 2026pp. 216–230
Abstract
This study investigated the psychosocial impact of perceived social stigma on adopted adolescents in Peshawar, Pakistan, focusing on emotional regulation difficulties, identity confusion and internalised shame. Grounded in Goffman’s stigma theory and ...Plain language summary
In Pakistan, adoption is often surrounded by secrecy and negative social attitudes. Many families hide the fact that a child is adopted because of cultural and religious beliefs that value biological lineage. As a result, adopted ...Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published February 4, 2026pp. 231–248
Legal notes
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published April 2, 2026pp. 249–252
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