SAMPLE ABSTRACT

Abstract Title:
What happened to children after the court decided their future?

Abstract Text:

Purpose
The outcome for maltreated children who are subject to court proceedings is variable, many factors contributing to their subsequent progress. This paper reports the findings of a follow-up study of a sample of 153 children, 3-7 years after they had been subject to legal care proceedings. The study set out to identify the factors and their interrelationships which determine significantly the subsequent well-being of children who have been at risk of, or actually seriously maltreated.

Method
The children were aged 7-16 years at follow-up. The outcome measured was the children’s well being at follow-up, assessed on a number of domains. These dependent variables comprised measures of attachment to current carer, self-concept, depression, social adjustment, cognitive attainment and physical state. The coherence of the child’s understanding of, and feelings about the court decision were also examined. Outcome data were obtained by interviewing the children and their current carers. In addition, standardised measures were completed by participants, their carers and school.

Data were also obtained about factors at four consecutive time points:
1) Pre court experiences of maltreatment, discontinuity of care and the presence of a non-abusive significant person. 2) The child’s psychological adjustment at the time of the court proceedings. 3) Post-court experiences: moves, adverse life events and therapy. 4) Current circumstances: placement type, permanency, parenting and contact with family members.

These constituted the independent variables. Using statistical modelling, the relative and cumulative contributions to outcome of these variables were examined.

Results
Analysis is ongoing. Full results will be reported.

Conclusions
The results of the study will contribute to an understanding of factors and circumstances which determine significantly the progress of children who have been maltreated and were subsequently subject to court proceedings. The results will also highlight interventions which could improve outcome for these children.

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