Used ordinal probit analysis to develop a model to predict the disposition of 1,447 child physical abuse reports submitted to child protective services. Analysis revealed that the best performing model involved the dichotomized dependent variable of ruled out and uncertain versus indicated and confirmed. (MDM)

Discusses the role of adoption services within the wider context of children's services, and examines the reasons why adoption, having once achieved a position at the pinnacle of the available child placement options, now seems to be a placement option fundamentally out of step with other initiatives for child welfare services. (TJQ)

Discusses child-care legislative reforms in Northern Ireland during economic and political uncertainty and organizational upheaval in the delivery of services to children and families. Explores the impact of new legislation and the implications of the contract culture, and considers ways in which future child-care provision can create…

This study report provides information about kinship foster care and foster family care focusing on the demographic characteristics of the providers; the services providers receive; the children served in care; and issues of visitation with birth parents. The study highlights marked differences in providers and in the services they receive, and…

Examined child protective services (CPS) screening practices in 12 sites from 5 states to identify factors predictive of the decision to investigate a report. Found that only 66% of all reports making specific allegations of maltreatment were investigated, while only 70% of all reports making specific allegations of injury were investigated. (MDM)

This article describes how child welfare workers manage their feelings about residential care decisions which they consider inappropriate. Peer support groups offer a way to provide both social support for workers and a base for actions to correct the conditions which produce incompatible demands. (Author/DB)

Gives an overview of recent changes in legislation and social policy with respect to child welfare in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Discusses the effect of the Children Act 1989 on children's services in England and contrasts England's services with the organization of child welfare services in Scotland and Northern Ireland.…

Describes and assesses the impact of the 1989 Children Act on the family support aspects of statutory child-care social work. Outlines ideological challenges to family support work and traces the main themes in relevant professional and research literature. Presents the family support clauses of the act and an account of the dominant concerns that…

Identifies and analyzes central tensions and themes that characterize child protection policy in England and Wales. Outlines conflicting messages that have been prevalent in debates about child abuse since the early 1980s. Analyzes in detail the 1989 Children Act, the 1991 Criminal Justice Act, Working Together (1991), and the Memorandum of Good…

One of the key principles of Britain's Children Act 1989 was that children and young people would participate in the decisions affecting their lives. This paper describes a project to inform and elicit the views on the Children Act 1989 of 45 young people who were currently being looked after by English local authorities in out-of-home care. (TJQ)

This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of the physical and mental health and educational status of children in kinship care. Study results indicated a prevalence of health and behavior problems and an increased risk of school-related problems. Intermittent and systematic health assessments, and monitoring of school performance…

Examined the effectiveness of long-term treatment foster care placements. Results indicated that: much depends on change as well as stability in a family; a small number of children accounts for a disproportionate number of placement changes; supports after permanent placements into adoption or reunification are desirable; and a continuum of…

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…

Describes the Personal Responsibility Act (HR 4) as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and considered by the Senate. Argues that unless this act is radically altered the potential effects for child protection and the entire child welfare system could be catastrophic. (MDM)

Examines the development of integrated child-care services in Scotland with a particular focus on the role of residential child-care provision. Describes three particular examples of service integration--residential outreach work, a center for young people under an integrated management, and multiagency youth strategies. Discusses the impact of…