Reinvolvement after returning home: A systematic review of the factors associated with post-reunification child protection involvement.

BACKGROUND

Internationally, reinvolvement with child protection following children's reunification from out-of-home care (OOHC) is a significant concern which impacts children, families, and child protection systems. Understanding the factors that impact long-term safe and stable reunification remains imperative to maltreatment prevention for and preservation of reunified families.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to better understand the factors related to repeat child protection involvement for children and their families, following reunification from OOHC internationally.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature across seven databases. A total of 42 papers (38 quantitative, 4 qualitative) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.

RESULTS

Several child- (age, disability, behavioral challenges, ethnicity), family- (substance abuse, removal reason, family history of child protection, poverty, child development knowledge), and child welfare/practice-level factors (length of OOHC, placement type and moves, caseworker practices and knowledge) were found to negatively impact child protection reinvolvement following reunification.

CONCLUSIONS

Families experiencing reunification often face complex social, emotional, financial, and cultural challenges, in addition to extensive trauma histories, which negatively influence child protection decision making and outcomes. Findings of the review garner attention towards family need and individualized assessment following reunification, as opposed to markers flagging high-risk groups for reinvolvement and failed reunification. Recognizing the complexity of family challenges and impact of specific child protection practices remains fundamental in any efforts to help preserve reunified families and prevent repeat child protection involvement.