Babies and Young Children in Care

When babies and very young children are placed in care, they may experience several different placements before their second birthday. Babies and Young Children in Care explores the life pathways of young children before, during and after being looked after, examining why the babies were placed in care and what caused their placement disruptions. The authors look at how these young children are affected by the lack of stability in their lives, and the consequences of reunification with their parents after long periods in care. Drawing on interviews with birth parents, carers and social care professionals, the authors trace the decision-making process that influenced these children's early experiences and question whether their time in care improved or impaired their later development and well-being.This book will be a key text for researchers, practitioners, policy makers and social care managers to better understand the outcomes of their care services for very young children and identify effective improvements.