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Caseworkers' insights and experiences with successful reunification

Author

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  • Jedwab, Merav
  • Chatterjee, Anusha
  • Shaw, Terry V.

Abstract

The decision to reunify children with their birth parents is one of the most significant decisions that caseworkers have to make in the child welfare arena. These decisions can dramatically affect the lives of children and families. Therefore, it is essential to understand reunification from the caseworkers' perspectives. The current study presents findings from a survey of child welfare caseworkers' experiences with reunifications and focuses on practices and key factors at the casework practice and at the system-environment level to assist in achieving successful reunification. The survey includes a series of statements related to successful reunification and open-ended questions. A sample of 284 caseworkers completed an online survey about their experience with reunification. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed to analyze the caseworkers' responses. Almost all the caseworkers believed that the most important factors to ensure successful reunification is child safety, as well providing services and support to the birth family. Thematic analysis reveals several practices and key factors to assist in achieving successful reunification, including: the child's and the parents' willingness and readiness to reunify, successfully addressing the initial issues that led to separation, the child and the parents participation in the process, a quality relationship between the caseworker and the birth family, and the importance of providing services and support. However, caseworkers highlight some barriers regarding their work with substance abuse and mental health families, caseload size and the agency's requirement for lengthy documentation and paperwork. The study suggests supporting the need for caseworkers to find strategies to engage in a collaborative effort with the birth parents to work toward reunification, as well providing and allocating more resources, services, and funding to the child welfare system will help to promote reunification.

Suggested Citation

  • Jedwab, Merav & Chatterjee, Anusha & Shaw, Terry V., 2018. "Caseworkers' insights and experiences with successful reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 56-63.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:86:y:2018:i:c:p:56-63
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.01.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Kimberlin, Sara E. & Anthony, Elizabeth K. & Austin, Michael J., 2009. "Re-entering foster care: Trends, evidence, and implications," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 471-481, April.
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    11. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bai, Rong & Collins, Cyleste & Fischer, Robert & Crampton, David, 2023. "Facilitators and barriers to reunification among housing unstable families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    2. Luu, Betty & Collings, Susan & Wright, Amy Conley, 2022. "A systematic review of common elements of practice that support reunification," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    3. Chartier, Stéphanie & Blavier, Adélaïde, 2021. "Should the reintegration of children in foster care into their biological families be the only goal of the legislation governing foster care? Factors influencing the relations between parents and thei," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    4. Dolbin-MacNab, Megan L. & Smith, Gregory C. & Hayslip, Bert, 2022. "The role of social services in reunified custodial grandfamilies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    5. Van Holen, Frank & Belenger, Laurence & Carlier, Elke & Potoms, Babette & Vanderfaeillie, Johan, 2018. "Short-term family foster care in Flanders: An exploratory study into the factors associated with family reunification decisions," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 699-708.
    6. Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Borms, Dorien & Teunissen, M.S.L. & Gypen, Laura & Van Holen, Frank, 2023. "Reasons used by Flemish foster care workers in family reunification decision making," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    7. Balsells Bailón, M. Àngels & Urrea-Monclús, Aida & Vaquero Tió, Eduard & Fernández-Rodrigo, Laura, 2022. "The voices of children, mothers, and fathers: Can parenting programs improve reunification processes in the Spanish child protection system?," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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