ABSTRACT Data-driven decision-making is a common approach for identifying child maltreatment. However, such strategies must be guided by ethical, equitable, and evaluative frameworks due to their potential for bias and error. This study analyzes the key features, potential challenges, and research evidence of a data-driven strategy known as birth match. Interviews with key informants across four states indicate that programs share features and objectives but that they differ regarding match criteria, data integrity processes, and responses to identified cases. Further, little outcome and equity evidence exists. Results emphasize the need for additional implementation and evaluation infrastructure to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the experiences of providers collaborating with child welfare workers using the Quality of Collaboration with Child Welfare (Q-CCW) survey. The findings reveal a significant misalignment between the perceived importance of collaboration and providers’ actual satisfaction levels. Despite high valuations of collaboration, participants from a range of professions expressed dissatisfaction with the responsivity and professionalism of workers. They were slightly more satisfied with relational elements of the collaborations. Participants further indicated that their experiences led to poorer outcomes and decreased willingness to continue working on child welfare cases. Providers’ responses underscores the need for improvements in collaborative practices.

ABSTRACT The inseparability of siblings is a key child rights principle, however, many children adopted from care are separated from siblings. Through a self-administered survey, we examined Chilean adoptive parents’ perspectives on sibling group adoption and post-adoption sibling contact. We examined types and frequency of contact and a thematic analysis approach was used to analyze open-ended responses. Although most adoptive parents favored keeping siblings together, few had initiated post-adoption sibling contact. Barriers included misinformation, professional discouragement, questioning developmental appropriateness, and hesitancy to contact birth families. The implications for research and practice are explored.

ABSTRACT In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the complexities surrounding alternative care arrangements for children, especially within China’s changing childcare landscape. This paper addresses the gap in understanding the nuances of alternative care options in China by conducting a narrative review of existing literature and governmental documents, focusing specifically on kinship care, institutional care, family foster care, and adoption. The review reveals recent developments and current challenges associated with each form of alternative care, providing insights into the evolving childcare system in China. Key findings include significant progress in diversifying childcare options, increased funding investment in the system, and efforts to standardize alternative childcare practices through policies and legislative measures. However, challenges persist in promoting psychosocial development and preparing individuals living in institutions for leaving care, ensuring adequate resources and support for kinship caregivers, and enhancing participation rates in family foster care and adoption practices. Practical implications for policymakers and child welfare agencies are discussed, emphasizing the importance of promoting family-based care options, providing quality caregiver training, considering various aspects of children’s needs, extending support for kinship care, and formulating inclusive adoption policies.

ABSTRACT Parent–child psychotherapy (PIP) is recommended for maltreated children. This review provides a synthesis of PIP outcomes for parents, children, and their relationship. Eight databases were searched with 16 studies fitting the inclusion criteria. Most studies found improvements in parental mental health. Mixed results were obtained for child development and the attachment relationship. Those with >4 previous traumas benefited more from PIP than those in comparison groups. Clinical implications include the importance of screening for trauma to support access to treatment. Treatment fidelity, small samples, and confounding variables may limit the reliability and validity of results. Further research is needed.

ABSTRACT Unpacking evidence-based practice in social work education: a scoping review Child welfare workers are the link between families and the system and are tasked with assessing and mitigating child maltreatment. While US-based research suggests that organizations are prime for child welfare workers to experience poor overall wellbeing, there is a dearth of research in Canada. This mixed method case study explored workers’ levels of burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion satisfaction, and the organizational social context. Qualitative recommendations to promote wellbeing include, Help us help families, Listen to me and appreciate me, Give us time to breathe, Give me my independence, We want to connect, and We are fighting the system.

ABSTRACT This study investigated adoption adjustment and the honeymoon period through the perspective of adoptive parents. Parents who had adopted a child from a public child welfare system participated in interviews seeking information on their post-adoption experience. Parents’ voices are critical to understanding adoption adjustment and post-adoption needs due to their firsthand experience. The findings in this study build on the understanding of when challenges arise for children and families after adoption and how adoptive parents perceive these experiences. Implications for practice include guidance for pre-adoption training and expansion of post-adoption support through public child welfare agencies.

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores social workers’ experiences of working within the Family Safeguarding Model and its implications for relationships with families and professionals. Semi-structured interviews were completed and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used. Three Group Experiential Themes (GET’s) were identified: fighting to work with families, feeling held and protected and breaking at the seams. The model enabled social workers to develop a ”secure base” to build meaningful relationships with families and consider risk in the context of parents’ early trauma. Findings suggest value in consistent in-house multi-agency support, enabling shared responsibility for complex cases. Further research is required.

ABSTRACT Transition-age youth with foster care involvement (TAY) face significant risks for food insecurity and other hardships in early adulthood. Using representative survey data of youth transitioning out of foster care in California, we examine the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity. We find that about 30% of study participants were food insecure at ages 19, 21, and 23. We also identify multiple risk and protective factors associated with being food insecure, such as TAY’s sexual identity and receipt of public benefits. The results of our study offer life-stage-specific recommendations for policy and practice to address food insecurity among TAY.

ABSTRACT This study provides an examination of the relationship between supervision and turnover intention in child welfare. Using a cross-sectional survey design, responses were received from 179 protective investigators and case managers. Multiple regression results revealed a significant, negative relationship between turnover intention and satisfaction with supervision. This relationship was strongest among those in the position less than one year or more than five years. Perception of supervisory skill was significantly associated with satisfaction with supervision for all groups but the association with turnover intention varied based on length of experience in the current role.