Whatever the circumstances, for a child it is love that matters : the social worker's perspective of the experience of children under a care order, during their transition period from home to a residential setting

Abstract

This research study analyzes, from a social worker's perspective, the experience of children under a care order during their transition period from home to a residential setting. It mainly focuses on the effects resulting from this experience, particularly the effects of attachment and bonding, separation, loss and grief, and identified needs. In this study it was found that, prior to the issuing of the care order the majority of children were securely attached to at least one member of their family but once taken to the residential setting not all children were properly encouraged to form a new attachment. It then proceeds by highlighting the ways in which the children responded to the separation from their family, where it was found that the majority of children reacted badly or were confused. The stages of grief the children went through after this separation are also discussed. Finally this study looks at the children's needs, mainly the need for love, security, permanency and the need for a sense of identity. This study also focuses on which of these needs were met by the children's original families before the care order and which needs are being adequately provided for by the residential settings. This study also looks at ways in which professionals and caregivers are helping or hindering these children during their transition period. Particularly when encouraging new and secure attachments in care, preparing the child and family before and after the separation, meeting the individual needs of the children and providing a sense of permanency and a sense of identity to the child. All this led to several recommendations on how to plan for and work with these children when they leave home to go in a residential setting. This is done with the sole aim of reducing the negative effects that this transition can have on the child.