Permanence and Permanence: Outcomes of Family Placements

Summary

This study tracked all 59 of the children involved in care proceedings in a single year (1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005) in an English local authority. The research took place four to six years after the conclusion of proceedings. It looked at whether the plan agreed at each child’s final hearing was implemented; whether placements had been successful or had broken down; and the factors associated with success or failure.

The researchers found that two thirds of the children were still in the original permanent placements designated at their final hearing. Fifteen per cent of children had experienced moves either within or back to their immediate or extended family, and another 15 per cent (nine children) had seen the original placement break down. The remaining three per cent experienced “stalled placements” where at least five years had passed since their final hearing with no permanent placement being made.

The breakdown rate for adoption placements was found to be 18 per cent, and for permanent fostering placements 44 per cent. The authors point out that these rates are similar to those identified by a previous study looking at the period 1966-1999 (Long-Term Foster-Care or Adoption? – see further reading) – even though legislation and practice has changed in recent years. No kinship placements had broken down, although three of the 10 children placed with relatives had experienced “within family” change. No child who had been returned to or placed at home had seen the “placement” break down.

Age at placement was found to be a key predictor of stability, which goes some way to explaining the significant differences in breakdown rate between adoption and permanent fostering. The average age at adoption was two years and 20 weeks, and the average age for children placed in permanent foster care was 10 years and 15 weeks. The children whose permanent placements were successful were, on average, four ye