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Large numbers of domestic violence ( DV) cases on child protection caseloads have necessitated the development of practices that address both DV and child safety. The first step in this process is to gain an understanding of the differences between DV-involved cases and other forms of maltreatment. The implementation of a differential response service model in Ontario offered an opportunity to compare risk assessment ratings, service outcomes and recurrence and to identify pathways of DV cases through child protection services ( CPS). A sample ( n = 785) of child protection investigations over a 4-month period was examined. Of these investigations, 26% cases were DV referred; 87% of the DV victims were mothers; perpetrating partners were mostly absent from investigations; non-white families were more often investigated for DV than white families; and DV cases were more likely to remain open for ongoing CPS. Only one-third of DV-exposed children were assessed as having been harmed and most community referrals were made for the victim parent. Mothers were the primary target of investigation, remaining in CPS for extended service provision although recurrence rates were lower than found in other investigations. Results are discussed to inform investigative procedures, assessment and service response to more adequately respond to children and families when DV is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinship foster care has experienced significant growth within the Spanish child protection system and now carries considerable weight. Over 40% of children in the public care system are formally fostered by relatives, equalling, and in some areas exceeding, the percentage of those in residential homes. This increase is not the result of a pre-designed global programme or clearly pre-established objectives in the system itself. Its current weight within the system has made it the focus of attention of researchers, politicians and protection system practitioners alike. The results of research carried out in Spain have revealed more positives than negatives in this type of fostering, giving rise to an in-depth reflection on care systems, questioning the determinism of theories anchored in the intergenerational repetition of abuse and making room for perspectives more associated with resilience and children's rights. Positive results are related to fewer breakdowns, more stability, permanency beyond the age of 18, children agreeing with their placement, academic results similar to those with non-relatives and better results after leaving care. The negatives relate to the lack of economic, educational and psychosocial support, which generally goes with this type of fostering. The experience of support programmes for these placements contributes to the debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the Family Crisis Intervention Program ( FCIP), focusing on crisis, child safety, family functioning and child behaviour problems. Questionnaires were completed by 183 families in crisis and their FCIP worker. After FCIP, the crisis had decreased and child safety had increased. Although problematic family functioning persisted after intervention, improvements were found in parent-child interaction, parenting stress, parental competence and child behaviour problems. Crisis change, safety change and improved family functioning were associated with programme characteristics, especially the therapeutic relationship, analysis of the crisis situation, duration of the intervention and the solution-focused approach. The discussion addressed implications of this study with regard to outcome measures in the evaluation of family crisis intervention and the importance of particular programme characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]