Care for children in residential settings is popularly characterised as the last resort for children who have had multiple failed placements and often high levels of need, requiring therapeutic help. It is often assumed that children will leave residential care for independent living. Using administrative data for a six-year period (2008-2014) for…

There is no relationship more vital than the one a child shares with their primary caregivers early in development. Yet many children worldwide are raised in settings that lack the warmth, connection, and stimulation provided by a responsive primary caregiver. In this study, we used data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), a…

Care-experienced children and young people are likely to experience early adversities that place them at increased risk of developing physical and mental health difficulties. Physical activity can help address the varied needs and interests of care-experienced children and young people and become a tool to manage mental health and well-being…

A 2019 census of residential care facilities in Guatemala found 3863 children in residential care and that 97% of these children had at least one living relative. The census clearly indicates that children in the facilities are not orphans and the possibility of reunification, if appropriate processes and services are in place to support the child…

Background: This research aims to study the role of people with intellectual disability in taking decisions regarding the support provided under the supported living model. Method: Interviews were conducted with 13 people with intellectual disability, and six support professionals with experience working in organisations offering personalised…

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people around the world, partly due to the restrictions it imposed on social interactions. This impact was felt to a great extent by persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an intellectual disability (ID) who rely on 24-hour support to live in the community, and by their mothers, who remain…

This article considers the type of attention that is particular to creative partnerships between performance practitioners and care homes. Drawing on the author's practice, and the work of Manchester-based company "Small Things", it advocates for 'slower collaborations' which take account of the individual qualities of a care community.…

Introduction: Families have a significant role in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors. However, it is not clear how actively families are involved when people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors are living in out-of-home care. This scoping review explored the frequency and type of…

Life outcomes for people who spent time in the care of the state as children ('care-experienced') are known to be significantly lower, on average, than for the general population. The reasons for this are complex and multidimensional, relating to social upheaval, disrupted schooling, mental and physical health issues and societal stigmatisation.…

Much research has explored transitions into adulthood for children living in out-of-home care. However, most of these studies are concentrated in Western countries, leaving a gap of information from the Global South. This paper discusses findings from a small-scale qualitative study conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Semi-structured interviews with (n…

This study aimed to find out the level of emotional maturity and gender differences among children living in residential homes in Windhoek, Namibia. A sample of 54 participants between the age group of 10 to 19 years was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. This study utilises a quantitative approach and descriptive design. An…

This study used an ethological approach to explore the behavioural adaptation of nineteen infants during their first six weeks in Residential Care (RC), or a Foster Family (FF) or an Infant-Mother Centre (IMC). Direct observations were conducted once a week at bath time. Observed behaviours were: sleep-wake states, visual exploration, motor…

This study investigates the association between mentoring and future expectations of youth in residential placements in Israel, and how family engagement during care and sense of belonging mediate this relationship. The participants included 213 adolescents (16-19 years old). Structural equation modeling revealed that mentoring contributed to the…

Background: People with Intellectual Disability (ID) in Sweden should be enabled to "live like others." This "life like others" is realised in group homes that have little in common with the typical home. Method: A reading of Appiah's "As if" is used to discuss how people with ID are supported in Sweden. Current…

This study used an ethological approach to explore the baby-caregiver dyadic exchanges (Attempted interactions, Triggers, Interactions) of nineteen infants during their first weeks in Residential Care (RC), or a Foster Family (FF) or an Infant-Mother Centre (IMC). Direct observations were conducted at feeding time. Observed behaviours were: baby…