Supporting birth parents’ relationships with children following removal: A scoping review

Abstract

Birth parents of looked after children can provide emotional and practical supports for their children. Yet, beyond attempts at reunification, support for birth parents to build and maintain relationships with their children are rare. In this paper, we present a scoping review of programs aimed at developing and supporting birth parents’ relationships with their children in circumstances other than for the purpose of reunification. The review analyses publications from January 2000 to October 2021 on this topic. We consider the scope, the methodological features, and quality of the available evidence about these programs. Our analysis identifies the characteristics and purpose of these programs and evidence of their effectiveness. Despite the early stage of knowledge development on this topic, evidence exists about the needs and experiences of birth parents. Promising findings have emerged about strategies for engaging parents and the positive impact of some interventions on parents’ contact with children. We outline implications for further research to build the evidence base for best practice with birth parents, foster and kinship carers, and children.