Telomere Erosion and Depressive Symptoms Across Development Following Institutional Care

Charlotte Heleniak, Bonnie Goff, Laurel J. Gabard-Durnam, Eva H. Telzer, Kathryn L. Humphreys, Daniel S. Lumian, Jessica E. Flannery, Christina Caldera, Mor Shapiro MD, Jennifer Y. Louie, Fan Shen

This longitudinal U.S.-based study examined the link between caregiving-related early adversity and elevated risks for both depressive psychopathology and prematurely shortened telomeres across the lifespan of children exposed to early institutional care.

Evaluation of Family Reunification after Foster Care in the State of Minas Gerais - Brazil

Aline do Carmo França-Botelho

This study aimed to brief analyse data from the most recent SUAS census in Brazil, focusing on one of the states of the federation to verify how the referrals of children and adolescents who go through foster care are being carried out. The data showed that in certain places there is discrepancy in reintegration and adoption, the latter being the most common.

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“Foster Care is a Roller Coaster”: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Foster Parent Experiences with Caregiving

Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett, Shelby L. Clark

This mixed-methods study included foster parents in six mid-Southwestern states in the U.S. foster parents serve a critical role in the child welfare system; however, many report being dissatisfied with their role. As such, dissatisfied foster parents are at risk of disruption and turnover, ultimately resulting in placement moves for youth in care. Placement moves have negative impacts on youth well-being, prompting a need to explore issues related to placement longevity related to foster parent satisfaction.

Nurturing Care Framework Progress Report 2018-2023: Reflections and looking forward

World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF

This World Health Organization (WHO) progress report looks back on the five years since the Nurturing care framework was launched. It documents achievements and presents areas for future action. Annotated with stories of change, the report provides a snapshot of progress in relation to each of the five strategic actions of the Framework and shows the breadth of activities that have been undertaken.

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Kinship Care in Kakuma Refugee Camp: Kenya

UNICEF - Regional Learning Platform on Care Reform in Eastern and Southern Africa

This case study documents the journey of Okot, one of many children in the Kakuma camp in Kenya, living with relatives. There are over 8,000 unaccompanied and separated children living in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps, the majority of whom are in kinship care (children cared for by relatives or friends of the family).

Finnish Care Leavers‘ Social Inclusion During the Transition to Adulthood

Minna Kaasinen, Anja Terkamo-Moisio, Pirkko Salokekkila, Arja Haggman-Laitila

The aim of this qualitative study published in the Children and Youth Services Review journal was to describe care leavers’ experiences of social inclusion in Finland. The results can provide new insight into a vulnerable, marginally researched group with high support needs and a propensity for social exclusion.

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Survivor-Informed Support for Trafficked Children in Scotland

Maggie Grant, Maria Fotopoulou, Scot Hunter, Margaret Malloch, Paul Rigby, Kieran Taylor - University of Stirling

The aim of this study was to fill a gap in knowledge in relation to what constitutes recovery and effective support over a longer time frame for separated children and young people who have experienced trafficking in Scotland. The study illuminates processes that have not been previously explored with this group of children and young people in Scotland.

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Non-Kinship Foster Care in Nigeria: Socioeconomic and demographic drivers of mothers’ willingness to foster

Stanley Oloji Isangha, Tosin Yinka Akintunde, Cherry Hau Lin Tam, Wai Man Anna Choi

This study examined the socioeconomic and demographic drivers of willingness to foster non-kin children among mothers in Nigeria. The findings of this study provide implications for research, social work practice, and education in Nigeria and Africa.