Policy vs. Practice: Supporting Biological Family Connections for Youth in Substitute Care

Biological family contact is critical to child wellbeing in non-relative substitute care. Drawing on the Capability Approach, this study sought to learn how and in what ways policy supporting family contact is carried out in practice and the impact on children. This qualitative study was conducted in the Czech Republic which has been transitioning from child institutional care to a foster care system. Sixty-six Czech stakeholders were interviewed across a spectrum of positions and perspectives, including care leavers, and child welfare professionals in NGO’s, children’s institutions, and government officials. Despite policies mandating parental involvement, care leavers often navigated family connections alone or were deliberately kept apart. Professionals often found it challenging and frustrating to engage parents, doubting it was in the best interests of the child. Some NGOs focused on effective parent engagement and saw success in reconnecting young people with their families. Practice recommendations include a shift toward prevention and family preservation, education of professionals about the importance of family connections, and empathy training to understand parent behaviors, needs, and motivations. The Capability Approach highlights the importance of child participation in decisions that affect their lives, including their right to know their own families.