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Finding their way home: Factors associated with reunification for American Indian and White adults

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  • Landers, Ashley L.
  • Danes, Sharon M.
  • Harstad, Jane
  • White Hawk, Sandy

Abstract

Although reunification studies are abundant, those inclusive of American Indians are limited. Literature findings have indicated that minority children and their families tend to experience poor outcomes in child welfare. This study fills the literature gap by exploring the factors that contribute to the probability of reunification for American Indian and White adults who were separated from their families of origin during childhood by foster care and/or adoption. The study was grounded in Patterson's Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response theory. Data from the Experiences of Adopted and Fostered Individuals Project was utilized to examine a sample (n=295) of American Indian and White adults. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors that contribute to the probability of reunification. Contrary to prior research, race was not a significant factor for reunification. Rather, the odds of reunification increased with age, having traveled through foster care, and having experienced poly-victimization in the foster and/or adoptive home and decreased for those living in poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Landers, Ashley L. & Danes, Sharon M. & Harstad, Jane & White Hawk, Sandy, 2017. "Finding their way home: Factors associated with reunification for American Indian and White adults," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 359-364.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:82:y:2017:i:c:p:359-364
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.09.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Webster, Daniel & Shlonsky, Aron & Shaw, Terry & Brookhart, M. Alan, 2005. "The ties that bind II: Reunification for siblings in out-of-home care using a statistical technique for examining non-independent observations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(7), pages 765-782, July.
    2. Connell, Christian M. & Katz, Karol H. & Saunders, Leon & Tebes, Jacob Kraemer, 2006. "Leaving foster care--the influence of child and case characteristics on foster care exit rates," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(7), pages 780-798, July.
    3. Harris, Marian S. & Courtney, Mark E., 2003. "The interaction of race, ethnicity, and family structure with respect to the timing of family reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(5-6), pages 409-429.
    4. Malm, Karin E. & Zielewski, Erica H., 2009. "Nonresident father support and reunification outcomes for children in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(9), pages 1010-1018, September.
    5. Akin, Becci A., 2011. "Predictors of foster care exits to permanency: A competing risks analysis of reunification, guardianship, and adoption," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 999-1011, June.
    6. Landers, Ashley L. & Danes, Sharon M., 2016. "Forgotten children: A critical review of the reunification of American Indian children in the child welfare system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 137-147.
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    1. Landers, Ashley L. & Morgan, Amy A. & Danes, Sharon M. & White Hawk, Sandy, 2018. "Does reunification matter? Differences in the social connection to tribe and tribal enrollment of American Indian fostered and adopted adults," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 347-353.
    2. Day, Angelique G. & Murphy, Kerrie S. & Whitekiller, Virginia Drywater, 2021. "Characteristics and competencies of successful resource parents working in Indian country: A systematic review of the research," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    3. Francis, Annie M. & Hall, William J. & Ansong, David & Lanier, Paul & Albritton, Travis J. & McMillan, Ashley, 2023. "Implementation and effectiveness of the Indian Child Welfare Act: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).

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