In assessing the practice of foster care in the US and its current limitations, this series of articles advocates for the implementation of health assessments for all children in care, support to preserve permanency and assist birth families, comprehensive supports for foster families, specialized services for children in need, increased cultural competency in social work practice, coordinated services across sectors for families in need and comprehensive well being assessments for children in care.

This working paper from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child explains how adult-child relationships shape child development, and identifies ways to strengthen policies that affect those relationships in the early childhood years.

Les enfants en famille d’accueil sont une population à haut risque de troubles d’attachement. Dans une tentative de prévention de tels troubles, une Clinique d’Attachement a été développée à Montréal (Canada) dans le but d’offrir une consultation aux intervenants en Protection de l’Enfant qui œuvrent avec les enfants 0-6 ans en famille d’accueil et leurs familles.

This article discusses the importance of safety and stability to healthy child development and reviews the research on the risks associated with maltreatment and the foster care experience in the United States.

Rapid assessment of the social impact of HIV/AIDS on children in Belize. Although many typical vulnerabilities are not as prevalent in the Belize as in other developing countries, HIV-related stigma remains a significant threat to children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Standards and criteria for the development of residential services for children in the Monteserrat, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands.

An executive summary of lessons learned on preventing family separation in poverty stricken communities. Brief case studies from Guatemala, Haiti, Philippines, United States and Burkina Faso.

A list of US programs and program approaches that influence family reunification outcomes. Relevant for social workers, policy-makers, and others involved in foster care, after care, and family reunification.

This paper examines the impact of conditional cash transfers in Latin America. It illustrates successful short-term impact, but recommends continued evaluation to assess the long-term impact.

This research study provides statistical information on institutional care of children under the age of 12 in Brazil. Interviews with institutions and children are conducted, and reasons for separation from family, length of time in care, status of family relationship, religious orientation and financial support of the institutions are highlighted.