Arranging stability for children in long-term out-of-home care

There is a widespread concern for children in public care who experience repeated moves and a lack of opportunity to settle down. The aim of the present analysis was to examine the placement histories of children in long-term out-of-home care and to gain knowledge of important factors that affect stability as reported by children, parents, and social workers. Within a prospective research design, the placement histories of 70 Norwegian children were followed through eight years, at several time points. Both counting and qualitative analyses were conducted. The findings emphasize the significance of carrying out a thorough investigation of the specific circumstances of each placement and placement change when the question of breakdown and stability is raised. The informants' accounts of placement breakdowns reflect the considerable responsibility assigned to foster carers for ensuring stability for children in care. The paper discusses premises and implications of this assumption, and points out that more realistic expectations and increased attention to the children's views and attitudes of the placement may contribute to greater stability in care.