Parental contact with children fostered and in residential care after the children act 1989

Summary: Research carried out since the implementation of the Children Act 1989 based on a sample of 848 children looked after by local authorities indicates that previous estimates of the numbers who have no contact with parents may have underestimated the extent of the problem, and that despite the emphasis placed on contact by the Children Act there is still much work to be done to improve practice. The research not only confirms earlier findings about the instability of placements in care but also shows differences in face to face contact which depend on the length of time in care or accommodation and the reason for entry, as well as differences between children placed in residential and foster care. Finally it was found that where children have spent long periods in care they tend to have little contact with fieldworkers, and it is suggested that there is a need to redefine the social work agenda for this vulnerable group of children.