Objective: Past studies demonstrate a relationship between race and the likelihood of children entering state custody subsequent to a maltreatment investigation. Research also shows that community structural characteristics such as poverty and residential mobility are correlated with entry rates. The combined effect, however, of race and community…

A survey of 115 child welfare workers suggests that life experiences, supervision, self-directed learning, inservice training, formal education, and professional continuing education contribute to practitioner knowledge and skills. A multifaceted approach is recommended. (SK)

Describes how child well-being has been conceptualized and measured in research on family foster care, and discusses the essential dimensions that should be included in a useful measure of child well-being. Discusses challenges in incorporating measures of child well-being into ongoing evaluations of family foster care. (Author)

Growing number of children are placed with relatives and supported with foster care payments. This paper describes study of states' policies on use of kinship care as a child welfare service. Analysis of policies revealed a lack of clarity, a lack of consistency across states, and value conflicts regarding policies used to guide placement of…

This descriptive study explores the relationships between the degree to which structured decision-making procedures were used in child welfare intake and child welfare workers' characteristics, client-case characteristics, and the agency service unit in which the decisions were made. (Author/BB)

Interviewed caregivers of related children who were in the custody of the state child welfare system, as the state implemented new federal and state policies encouraging caregivers to adopt or assume guardianship of the children in their care. Noted issues of concern and caregiver recommendations for the child welfare system. (Author)

Placement of children in state custody with their relatives has grown dramatically. Interviews with caseworkers serving children in kinship foster care were studied and revealed the complex nature of this practice and identified potential obstacles to permanency for these children. Results suggest practice principles that may facilitate permanency…

The growing practice of arranging foster placement of abused children with relatives provides an opportunity to redefine relationships between extended families and the child welfare system and to develop five areas of the social work curriculum: human behavior and social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice,…

Presents a case study of the development of kinship care policy in Illinois due to court decisions regarding the provision of financial support to relatives acting as foster parents. Compares recent reform of kinship care policies in Illinois with welfare reform efforts across the country and their national implications. (SD)