foster children

How widespread is abuse in foster care?

Produced by IRISS for Community Care magazine, this research review examines the evidence on allegations of maltreatment of children in foster care and local authority responses to allegations, as published in the report Maltreatment and allegations of maltreatment in foster care. A review of the evidence, published by the Social Policy Research Unit, University of York.

It brings together the evidence that exists on allegations of abuse and confirmed maltreatment in foster care, and considers the implications of the available evidence.

Retelling the past using new technologies: a case Study into the digitization of social work heritage material and the creation of a virtual exhibition

Article explains the rationale for the digitization of social work heritage material and the virtualization of an archived nondigital museum exhibit constructed by a Scottish Museum of Social Work.

The project involved the “virtualization” of an existing social work museum exhibition on the migration of “Home Children” from Scotland to Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century and the digital preservation of historical assets (both text and images) held by the contemporary social care organization involved in the migration of the children.

The experiences of fostering and adoption processes - the views of children and young people: literature review and gap analysis

Literature review that aims to identify the existing evidence in relation to children and young people’s views of the processes, and to identify any gaps. At the time of publication, the Government has released the Adoption Action Plan (DfE, 2012) with measures designed to reduce delays in the adoption process.

The views and experiences of children already in the care system will be vital in helping to ensure that changes to current systems meet their individual needs and improve their life chances.

The care placements evaluation (CaPE) evaluation of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Adolescents (MTFC-A)

Study that evaluated the effectiveness of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Adolescents (MTFCA), an innovative, evidence-based form of fostering for looked after children (age 11-16 years) with complex needs.

MTFC-A was implemented by 18 English local authorities, using pump-priming money from the former Department for Children, Schools and Families and supported by an implementation team at the Institute of Psychiatry.

Fostering aspirations: reforming the foster care system in England and Wales

Report that puts forward recommendations for how the foster care system should be reformed. It argues that people must be realistic but ambitious about what the care system can offer.

While it is extremely difficult to exactly replicate the support and care that a loving family brings, research published in May 2011 revealed the significant benefits that can flow from stable long-term foster placements.

Training, support and development standards for foster care: guidance

The training, support and development (TSD) standards for foster care were developed by CWDC with input from a reference group including practitioners, foster carers, young people, Ofsted, the Fostering Network and BAAF. They were introduced in May 2007 and apply to all approved foster carers in England. The standards provide a national minimum benchmark to set out what all foster carers should know, understand and be able to do within the first 12 months of approval.

Fostering datasets

Official statistics release that reports on the numbers and profile of foster carers and children, in both local authority and independent services covering the period between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011.

It also gives data relating to types of foster care, registrations and de-registrations, and a range of other subjects.