Changes in Placement among Children in Foster Care: A Longitudinal Study of Child and Case Influences

Abstract

Using Cox regression modeling, this longitudinal study examines child and case characteristics associated with changes in placement among 5,909 Rhode Island children in foster care. Results suggest that half of all children experience at least one placement change while in care. Infants change placements least, and risk increases with child age. Emergency shelter settings have the highest risk of placement change, followed by nonrelative settings, group home settings, and relative foster care. The reasons for removal from the home and the history of previous placements also predict placement changes, as do the interactions between foster care setting and some child characteristics.