Perspectives: Former foster youth refining the definition of placement moves. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chambers, Ruth M.; Crutchfield, Rashida M.; Willis, Tasha Y.; Cuza, Haydée A.; Otero, Angelica; Carmichael, Heather
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 73(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 392
• Page End: 397
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Foster care -- Multiple placements -- Placement disruption -- Placement move definition; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.01.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: Research has demonstrated that children who experience numerous moves in foster care are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems and less likely to achieve reunification or permanency. However, current knowledge about how placement move transitions impact children is extremely limited. This study used qualitative methods to explore how former foster youth define a placement move. Results indicated that placement moves can be defined by: 1) Time and relationships; 2) Packing and leaving; 3) Loss of property; 4) Returning home; 5) Type of placement; and 6) Decision-making process. An alternative definition of a placement move is offered and implications for child welfare policy, research and practice are provided. Highlights: Children who experience multiple moves in foster care are negatively impacted. Due to the level of disruption in changing placements, a revised definition of a placement move is provided. Professionals and researchers should include perspectives of foster youth in revising the definition of a placement move.