Reconnecting Child Development and Child Welfare

Evolving Perspectives on Residential Placement

Posted March 10, 2013
By the Annie E. Casey Foundation
Get the Full Report:
Download Report
Aecf Reconnecting Child Developmentand Child Welfare Cover1

Summary

As child development experts state emphatically, kids in child welfare placements need more than food, clothing and safe shelter. They need the sense of belonging that comes from relationship-rich family settings. In 2012, the Casey Foundation and the Youth Law Center brought child development experts together to discuss best practices for reducing out-of-home treatment and acknowledging the developmental needs of children in child welfare placements. Conference research and recommendations are presented in this report.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

Key Takeaway

kids in child welfare placements need more than food, clothing and safe shelter

Children who lack permanent family relationships and the social, emotional and developmental protections they provide often face lifelong educational, occupational and interpersonal challenges, which include struggles to parent their own children.