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Family Decision Making in Child Welfare: Challenges in Developing a Knowledge Base for Practice

NCJ Number
238049
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2012 Pages: 41-52
Author(s)
Kate Morris; Marie Connolly
Date Published
January 2012
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses research examining the use of family engagement strategies in child welfare systems.
Abstract
Over the past two decades, engaging families in decisionmaking has grown in popularity across child welfare systems internationally. The family group conference in particular has generated interest as a practice model that facilitates broader family engagement in care and protection. As the practice has flourished, research has been undertaken to strengthen the knowledge base and to support the introduction of family engagement strategies across jurisdictions. This paper examines the recent research relating to family engagement strategies in child welfare and explores the ways in which family involvement in decisionmaking can be incorporated into emerging protective practices. (Published Abstract)