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Infants placed in foster care prior to their first birthday: Differences in kin and nonkin placements

Ann M Stacks1, Ty Partridge1

  • 1Wayne State University.

Infant Mental Health Journal
|May 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Infants in kinship care had fewer developmental concerns and shorter stays than foster care. However, foster homes and neighborhoods were higher quality and safer, with long-term care persisting for many infants.

Area of Science:

  • Child Welfare Research
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sociology of the Family

Background:

  • Infants in out-of-home care require timely and appropriate placement for optimal development.
  • Kinship care and foster care represent distinct placement options with varying characteristics.
  • The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) aimed to expedite permanency for children in care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare developmental status, environmental quality, and placement duration for infants in kinship versus foster care.
  • To identify potential disparities in care experiences for infants under one year old.
  • To assess the impact of ASFA on long-term placement durations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being.
  • Inclusion of 457 infants placed in out-of-home care before age one and their caregivers.
  • Examination of developmental status, home/neighborhood environments, and time in placement.

Main Results:

  • Infants in kinship care showed fewer developmental concerns 2-6 months post-investigation.
  • Kinship placements resulted in significantly shorter durations in out-of-home care.
  • Foster homes and neighborhoods were rated higher in quality and safety compared to kinship settings.
  • Approximately one-third of infants remained in care for three years post-investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Kinship care may offer developmental benefits and shorter stays for infants.
  • Environmental factors in foster care settings appear more favorable.
  • Despite ASFA, prolonged out-of-home care remains a significant issue for infants.

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