Reflecting on Outcomes for Looked-after Children: An Ecological Perspective

Abstract

Despite huge investment over the past 10 years, improving outcomes for looked-after children remains elusive. A challenge for practitioners, researchers and policy-makers alike has been the absence of a shared conceptual framework for considering and responding to the needs of looked-after children. A second challenge relates to the measurement of outcomes. In this article the authors reflect on the multiple factors that contribute to outcomes for looked-after children and, drawing upon the work of Cronen and Pearce, propose an organising framework. In as much as it facilitates reflection on the complex interplay between looked-after children and their environments, the ecological perspective outlined in this article holds some promise as an aid to targeting interventions more effectively and efficiently.

Notes

1. Care order versus voluntary versus emergency.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William Coman

Dr William Coman is Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Looked After and Adopted Children at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust

John Devaney

Dr John Devaney lectures at the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queens University Belfast