Children with stable and unstable placements in South Australian out-of-home care: A comparison of their family background care history and behavioural functioning

Abstract

Previous research shows a clear connection between placement instability and poorer psychological outcomes for children and young people. The aim of this project was to gain greater insights into the factors that may contribute to greater placement success by comparing the family background, placement history and psychological profile of children with very unstable and stable placement histories. The data collection focused on the child's family and placement background as well as psychosocial functioning. It was found that children and young people in stable placements entered care at a younger age and presented with a lower prevalence of family and social background problems, including abuse and neglect, than those in unstable placements. Children in stable placements also scored significantly better on all subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The paper discusses the implications of the findings for placement decision making and alternative placement options for children and young people in South Australian out of home care.