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Strand 2: Case studies of transformational reform programmes examined a range of approaches to the delivery of children’s services to better understand the evidence regarding systems-level integration between children’s social work/social care with health services and/or adult social care.
The case studies were drawn from a range of contexts, from national to highly decentralised structures and modes of delivery, in five high-income countries: Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. A sixth case study drew on learning from…
This report, which was authored by Taylor Fry with support from Their Futures Matter (TFM) - a landmark reform of the Government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia to deliver improved outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families - and stakeholder agencies, presents key results and insights from the TFM Investment Model, an actuarial model of future outcomes and costs of providing key government services to children and young people in NSW.
The purpose of the report is to define groups of vulnerable children and young people and highlight the poor social outcomes…
Abstract: Adoption is arguably the most powerful intervention available for children in foster care who are unable to be restored to their birth families. Adoption promises stability and a family for life, in contrast to foster care or guardianship, which are expected to end when the child reaches adulthood. In comparison to foster care, adoption is associated with better educational, financial, and social outcomes. However, because children adopted out of foster care have had adverse experiences, they may have additional support needs in later years. These unknown costs…
Abstract
This article investigates the colonialist definitions of the terms “orphan” and “adoption”, contrasting them with how the traditional practice of child circulation in Fiji cared for orphaned children. I examine whether the terms “orphan”, “adoption” or “informal adoption” are equal to (or even appropriate) when describing child circulation practices in Fiji, and whether these terms and practice have had an effect on the status of the child with these labels within their own community.
Abstract Many children are cared for on a full-time basis by relatives or adult friends, rather than their biological parents, and often in response to family crises. These kinship care arrangements have received increasing attention from the social science academy and social care professions. However, more information is needed on informal kinship care that is undertaken without official ratification by welfare agencies and often unsupported by the state. This article presents a comprehensive, narrative review of international, research literature on informal, kinship care to address this…
This interim report from the Parliament of Australia's Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade presents its recommendations on the adoption of a Modern Slavery Act in Australia. The report provides an overview of the inquiry into the establishment of a Modern Slavery Act as well as proposed principles and recommendations for Australian legislation. The Committee explicitly addresses concern about the trafficking, forced labor and child exploitation through orphanage tourism in the report.
4.2 The Committee gives in-principle…
Abstract
This article discusses the involvement in the New South Wales criminal justice system of a cohort of children in out-of-home care. The paper reports the findings of a four-year research project that investigated the relationship between the child welfare and justice systems as experienced by a cohort of children in the New South Wales Children’s Court criminal jurisdiction. Analysis of 160 case files identified that children in out-of-home care appeared before the Children’s Court on criminal charges at disproportionate rates compared to children who were not in…
Background
An independent review into Queensland's youth detention centres was announced by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D'Ath on 19 August 2016.
The review examined the practices, operation and oversight of the state's two youth detention centres in Townsville and Brisbane, in addition to evaluating the effectiveness of programs and services delivered in Queensland's youth detention centres. It also reviewed specific allegations of mistreatment of young people made by former staff members and young people previously in youth detention in…
This report presents the findings of a mappings and assessments review of child protection systems in 14 countries including Cambodia. The principal purpose of the study was to consolidate existing information on the shared strengths, challenges and priorities for developing and strengthening child protection systems in the region that will better safeguard children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Key observations of each country’s child protection system were made: from what influences development to awareness of the cultural and social contexts that frame…
This webinar presentation by Professor Marie Connolly of the University of Melbourne was given at a UNICEF Seminar on the 1 April 2014. Professor Connolly began by introducing the history and background of Family Group Conference (FGC) in New Zealand, which was developed initially in the late 1980s as a culturally responsive way of diverting children and their families from the court system. It has since become a key decision-making mechanism for both care and protection and youth justice systems. FGC was later…