Scotland’s most vulnerable children taking years to be placed in permanent homes

Today sees the publication of an important new report from researchers on the Permanently Progressing longitudinal study. This research was funded by the Nuffield Foundation ,?led by the University of Stirling and delivered in collaboration with 英国兰卡斯特大学 and the Association for Fostering, Kinship & Adoption Scotland (AFKA). ?

This report is the second part of the “permanently progressing” research series and is a really important addition to our understanding of the journeys and experiences of children in care in Scotland.

At the NFJO, the focus of our work is on the family justice system in England and Wales, but many of the messages from this research relate to themes that cut across geographical boundaries.

The headline message from the report is that children in Scotland are waiting a long time to find permanent homes – overall, the average time it took for children to be in a permanent home was 32 months – over two and a half years. While the English and Welsh systems are quite different in terms of structures and processes, a concern around delay in making permanent decisions for children is a shared one – with care cases now taking on average 42 weeks to complete (within a framework which aims to make these decisions within 26 weeks).

But this research doesn’t stop at the headline numbers. One of it’s real strengths is it’s depth and breath. It paints a detailed picture of the realities of the lives of the children and families involved and the factors that influence these. Looking at what the research reveals, there are 3 key takeaways which we think are particularly relevant to those working in English and Welsh contexts

1. Legal order type doesn’t define need

“Despite having similarly high levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties, children in kinship care or who had been adopted received less support than children living with foster carers.”

It can be tempting to assume that some children, under certain order types, will have higher or lower levels of need than others. Our funding mechanisms and support structures sometimes behave as if this is the case – with adopted children, children in foster care, and children subject to special guardianship or child arrangement orders receiving markedly differing levels of support. This research however suggests that many children and families across a wide range of different types and situations had significant need for additional support in the years following children coming in to care. It makes the case for a system that starts from the basis that children, wherever they are placed, may need extra support as they get older and that the nature and availability of such support should not be defined by the type of legal order securing their care.

2. Continuing relationships with siblings is hugely important for children and words are not enough

“Almost half of the children whose caregivers completed a questionnaire have no contact with any brothers or sisters they live apart from.”

In Scotland, The Promise sets out the Scottish governments commitment to children in care and highlights the vital importance of continuing siblings relationship but Dr Whincup’s report highlights there is still a long way to go. While we don’t have the same data for England and Wales, this report highlights the needs to keep the vitally important part of children’s lives in focus and under review when making decisions about the lives of children.

3. Relationships can make a big difference

“Children’s wellbeing and belonging is bolstered by ostensibly small acts of day-to-day care and affection, as well as caregivers providing support at times of crisis.”

When we think about what matters to children, this research highlights the importance of the relationships children have and the ways those caring for them behave. It also notes the vitally important role schools can play – “it can be a place of belonging and inclusion, but it can include formal and informal exclusion or distressing experiences.” This research serves as a valuable reminder that the relationships that matter to children include those in the home and beyond. ?

Read the full report here