The foster care and family reunification nexus: Care as a mechanism for bringing families back together
Date
2021
Authors
Coram, V.
Louth, J.
Mackenzie, C.
Goodwin Smith, I.
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Report
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Abstract
This research evaluated the operation of a specialist foster care model focusing on family reunification from the perspectives of foster carers and program staff. The research identified the key strengths of the program and made recommendations about how to optimise service provision to enhance outcomes for foster carers and children. Understanding how specialist foster carers experience their role is vital to ensuring they are well-supported, which also enhances outcomes for children. This research highlights the specific demands of specialist foster care and identifies ways support for specialist carers can be optimised. It recommends increasing investment in this critical role in order to improve outcomes for children, which in turn is likely to result in downstream savings for the welfare, health and justice sectors.