Predictors of short-term reunification in South Australian substitute care

Abstract

This study examines the factors that contribute to short-term reunification for 235 children placed in South Australian substitute care from 1998 to 1999. Proportional hazard analyses showed that non-Aboriginal children and those placed because of parental incapacity were significantly more likely to go home, whereas neglected and Aboriginal children were significantly less likely to go home. A detailed profile analysis highlighted the specific case characteristics or changes thought to have contributed to reunification in each case.