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A new study from TXICFW Director Dr. Monica Faulkner and colleagues explores the use of systemic family engagement to preserve and reunify families.
Family engagement is key to preserving and reunifying child-welfare involved families. Yet, despite legislation that requires child welfare agencies to make “reasonable efforts” in the United States and to restitute a child’s right to live with their family in Chile, there continue to be deficiencies to meaningfully engaging families.
The research team argues the state creates and perpetuates conditions resulting in disparities among child welfare decision-making points. Using the U.S. and Chile as two case examples, the team critically analyzed the emergence and evolution of child welfare. The study explores this in conjunction with relevant policies disadvantaging entire groups or communities and then continuing to perpetuate emotional neglect once children are in care. Through this analysis, the team posits a need to address two points. First, the structural barriers impeding family engagement, preservation, and reunification. And then, structural factors leading to the root causes of child maltreatment referrals.
Ultimately, the team proposes a multilevel, structural approach to identify community strengths and needs. This could better support family preservation and reunification while also building community-wide resilience and wellbeing. In addition, the team advocates for structural changes to policies and practices that could enhance equity.
Highlights
- Child welfare in the U.S and Chile has been influenced by neoliberalism.
- Families in both countries face systemic barriers to engaging in their cases.
- Recent legislative changes in Chile present opportunities to transform child welfare.
Citation: LaBrenz, C. A., Agoglia, I. S., & Faulkner, M. (2024). Systemic family engagement to preserve and reunify families: Lessons from the U.S. and Chile. Children and Youth Services Review, 168(3), 108034. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.108034