This study investigated predictors of reunification and reentry for children in Dutch out-of-home care. Case files of 340 children (aged 0–16) placed out of home in 2018 were coded and analyzed. Potential predictors were identified with bivariate correlations. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict the time until reunification, and a logistic regression to predict reentry. Within 6 years of placement, 42% of the children were reunified with their parents – of which 26% reentered out-of-home care. Professional support directed at the parents during placement more than doubled the likelihood of reunification. In contrast, multiple placement shifts, parental history of childhood maltreatment, limited parenting capacities, and parental intellectual disability decreased this likelihood. Among reunified children, parental childhood maltreatment, domestic violence, and placement in group care increased the risk of reentry in out-of-home care. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted professional support during and after the process of reunification.
Asdonk et al. (Fri,) studied this question.