NCJ Number
53698
Date Published
1978
Length
21 pages
Annotation
THE STRUCTURE, CLIENTELE, AND OPERATING PROCEDURES OF THE KENT (ENGLAND) SPECIAL FAMILY PLACEMENT PROJECT, INITIATED IN 1974 TO FIND LONG-TERM FAMILY PLACEMENT FOR JUVENILE DELINQUENTS, ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE KENT PROJECT IS BACKED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT, AND STAFF SALARIES ARE OBTAINED FROM A CHARITABLE TRUST. IT IS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT FROM WHICH STAFF HOPE TO DEVELOP A METHODS PACKAGE TO TRANSFER TO OTHER JUVENILE TREATMENT PROJECTS. THE BASIC PACKAGE COMPONENTS ARE A PROFESSIONAL FEE TO BE PAID TO PROJECT PARENTS WHO ACCEPT A DELINQUENT, GROUP MEETINGS AMONG LOCAL PROJECT PARENTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS FOR SELECTING AND TRAINING NEW PARENTS, PROBLEM DISCUSSIONS DEVELOPING NEW POLICY, AND CONTRACTS SIGNED BY THE FOSTER PARENTS, THE DELINQUENTS AND THEIR PARENTS, AND THE SOCIAL WORKERS STATING THE EXACT TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT. THE PROJECT SEEKS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL HELP WITHIN A NORMAL FAMILY STRUCTURE IN A HOME THAT IS WITHIN THE GENERAL LOCALE OF THE CHILD'S ORIGINAL HOME. THE PROJECT DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO MATCH CHILDREN AND FOSTER PARENTS BY EDUCATION OR SOCIAL CLASS, ALTHOUGH FACTORS OF PERSONALITY, INTEREST, AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ARE CONSIDERED. TO ASSESS THE PROJECT, RESEARCHES CATEGORIZED PLACEMENTS INTO FIVE GROUPS RANGING FROM VERY POSITIVE TO 'BREAKDOWNS' (CASES IN WHICH NO POSITIVE ELEMENTS COULD BE SEEN IN THE FOSTER FAMILY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP). RESULTS ARE ENCOURAGING. THE CHILDRENS' ORIGINAL PARENTS SEEM TO LIKE FAMILY PLACEMENT, FOSTER FAMILIES REPORT HIGH JOB SATISFACTION, AND JUVENILES EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH FOSTER FAMILIES, SHOWED LESS BOREDOM THAN IN JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS, AND EXHIBITED INCREASED COMPLIANCE WITH ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORAL NORMS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE PROGRAM RECEIVE GREATER LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT, SOCIAL WORKERS AND POLICE SHOULD CONSULT REGULARLY ON THE STATUS OF THE JUVENILES' PROSECUTION, AND THE INTERVAL SHOULD BE DECREASED BETWEEN ARREST AND PLACEMENT OF JUVENILES.