PolicyLab

In an article published in Child Abuse and Neglect, Kate Yun and colleagues examine research on the efficacy, effectiveness, ethics, and sustainability of approaches to supporting the long-term needs of children in out of home care including children living in institutions, trafficked children, street children, and children affected by conflict or disaster. The study found evidence that certain legislation, policies, and services are critical for protecting these vulnerable children in low- to middle-income countries. The study also found that permanent family placement, whether through reunification, adoption, kafalah, or kinship care, offers developmental benefits for children across a variety of social and cultural contexts.