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Research suggests that children with involved and engaged fathers tend to have more positive outcomes relative to physical, cognitive, and social emotional health. Of children who become involved in the child welfare system, involving multiple parents in the case (e.g. mother and father) often results in a greater chance of a child returning home, fewer placement episodes, and reduced trauma that may be caused by separation anxiety. With the rise of single parenting homes (which are mostly maternal) in the United States, child welfare agencies are examining the efficacy of engaging multiple caregivers (esp. fathers) in the child welfare process. Research suggests that in order to involve fathers in child welfare processes, practices and policies must be intentional in implementing systems and protocols that encourage involvement of all parents regardless of relationship status of the parents. However, few child welfare agencies are required to inquire about fathers or involve fathers in the child’s case. The purpose of this paper is to highlight efforts of the Connecticut Comprehensive Outcome Review (CCOR) process and discuss challenges and lessons learned from interviews and listening forums/focus groups that included social workers and fathers who are involved in the child welfare system in the state of Connecticut. Recommendations and considerations on engaging and involving fathers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is often a disconnect between the best available research and the policy decisions governing the functioning of large child-serving systems. This paper argues that this is, in part, due to conflating system contact with actual service provision. When outcomes are understood in terms of contacts as compared to services, this can lead to inappropriate or inadequate policy responses. Empirical data on contact and services for four large child-serving systems (child welfare, education, juvenile court, and mental health) are presented to illustrate this dilemma. Multi-sector services and need for collaboration are also briefly reviewed. Recommendations are made for improving data infrastructure and research to help bridge the gap between what policy makers see and actual system functioning. This is presented as a key step on the path to achieving evidence-based policy to support children''s well-being. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies suggest that international (intercountry) adolescent adoptees have lower self-esteem and are at higher risk for developing severe mental health problems and social maladjustment than children of the same age living with their biological families in the general population. Although most U.S. studies report positive outcomes for international adoption, studies also report that many international adoptees are confused about their racial and/or ethnic identity and face difficulties in handling bias and discrimination. International adoptees may have a better adjustment if their adoptive parents are sensitive and appropriately responsive to issues related to their adopted child''s race, ethnicity, and culture. This paper reviews the state of our current knowledge about how and why some international adoptees adjust better than others and suggests theoretically grounded avenues for future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Families involved in the child welfare system in the United States often face housing instability and other complex issues, such as challenges regarding mental health, substance abuse, poverty, and domestic violence. Housing instability, in particular, can hinder parents' progress on completing their case plans and regaining custody of their children. Thus, interagency collaboration between the child welfare system and community agencies is necessary to achieve optimal child welfare outcomes. This study explores facilitators of and barriers to effective collaboration between workers at partner organizations working on a program focused on the reunification of housing-unstable families with their children in out-of-home placement. A series of focus group interviews were conducted with 23 workers from two agencies: a local community agency providing assistance with housing and supportive services and child welfare workers. Three key collaboration facilitators were identified: feelings of support; program workers bridging communication between child welfare workers and clients; and supervisors' support. Barriers to interagency collaboration included: a lack of shared values; misunderstanding the other worker's role; lack of buy-in of the program's philosophical approach, and perceptions of worker lack of commitment. The findings have implications for promoting interagency collaboration and innovative practices for families who experience both housing instability and child welfare involvement. • This paper examines facilitators of and barriers to strong collaboration between child welfare and housing service providers. • Ensuring collaborators have the same aligned goals, and clear roles are essential ingredients to effective collaboration. • It is essential for child welfare workers to understand the Housing First philosophy, and receive training on trauma-informed care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]