Recommendations for Care Reform: Perspectives of Adults Who Were Separated From Parental Care During Childhood
There has been a significant effort to reform alternative care services for children and youth separated from parental care in recent years. It is important to highlight the voices of care experienced adults, who may be able to provide valuable insight into how services could be improved for children currently in care.
According to survey results from...
542
adults who were separated from parental care and resided in alternative care settings during childhood
from
12
Global South nations
Key Themes In their own words
Child Focus
The Need for Family
Participants highlighted the value of child participation and a focus on individual needs in care decisions.
Participants also strongly supported family-based placements for children in care.
Training for Service Providers
“Better education and training for caregivers."
System Reform
"If I could change one thing it would be that ALL caregivers were more traumainformed."
Access to Information about Origin
“All children need unrestricted access to their records."
"Create a family based care model/system that supports the community and families as well as strengthening the families."
“Family love and care is the most important thing ever.
The Importance of Family Preservation
“Openness and full disclosure with the child about biological family of origin history."
Child Participation in Care Decisions
“Society needs to prevent the conditions that lead to separation and relinquishment and fight to keep children within at least an extended kin situation.” Maintaining Contact with Biological Family Members
“I feel it is critically important for the children who are removed to stay informed and have a true understanding of what is happening. I remember having no idea what was happening in my life. That feeling led to significant fear.”
“Ensuring they have on-going and regular contact with their parents, siblings, family and extended family.”
Access to Support Participants called for more access to robust long-term support and services. Availability of Support Services
“For me its financially, spiritually, and emotionally support. [sic]"
“Also have a huge need for emotional support and counseling."
The Value of Peer Support
“To have someone he can really talk with… someone in his age that will understand his pain, and support him.” Support During the Transition to Adulthood
“Make sure that [there] are aftercare support services for children who have left care." "When they are discharged they are expected to fend for themselves and be grownups, while the same children not in care are being supported by their relatives and parents.”
Adults who have previously been in alternative care have powerful and unique perspectives that could supplement current research and better inform the care reform process. "Our voices must serve a central role as we consider policies and practices for serving vulnerable children and families."
Turn the page for seven recommendations based on this insight.