Placement Stability and Family Support After GovernmentMandated Rapid Return: A Two-Year Follow-Up
The COVID-19 pandemic led to government-mandated rapid returns of children from residential care to family settings due to social distancing concerns.
KEY FINDINGS
WHAT HAPPENED
16 NGOs
AFTER
TWO YEARS from
SIX NATIONS
13,973 CHILDREN
were surveyed, reporting rapidly returned to families
remaining with their families of children were still in contact
Placement stability varied by nation (15 4% to 96 8%), suggesting diverse outcomes
MANDATES OCCURRED BETWEEN March & August 2020 with an average preparation time of
21.87 DAYS
A SURPRISING FINDING
SUPPORT SERVICES IMPACT
NGOs provided support services to families.
EDUCATIONAL MEDICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL MATERIAL, OCCUPATIONAL/FINANCIAL
More support services = higher placement stability
Two years later, NGOs reported providing residential care for 17,301 children, an increase of 1,372 from the initial count.
DISCUSSION
Placement Stability vs. Thriving
While some families remained intact, it doesn't necessarily mean families were healthy Family stress remained high, emphasizing the need for holistic support.
Services Impact Placement Stability
Families receiving more support services showed higher placement stability, aligning with previous research on the positive impact of robust support services
Systematic Issues Persist
Rapid unprepared return did not address systemic issues leading to children's placement in residential care
Many children were placed back in residential care despite the returns
Placement Stability and Family Support After Government-Mandated Rapid Return: A Two-Year Follow-Up, continued
RECOMMENDATIONS
Caution Against Rapid Unprepared Return: Support Services Emphasis
Despite some positive outcomes, the study cautions against future rapid unprepared return mandates due to risks to children
CONCLUSION
This study sheds light on the complex outcomes of government-mandated rapid unprepared return, the importance of ongoing support services for families
Ongoing intervention and support is vital for families impacted by rapid unprepared return to enhance long-term well-being.
The article warns against the practice's future use, highlighting the need for in any child reintegration efforts.
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS PREPARATIONS MONITORING
"The research team strongly cautions against rapid unprepared return mandates in the future due to the significant risks to children and families... "