Conclusion

Abstract

The concluding chapter summarises the effects of maltreatment and the use of the Relational Learning Framework (RLF) to consider the impact of child welfare decisions on the child’s internal working model. The effects of long-term adverse environments are noted, along with how the research outlined in this book can be used by child welfare systems to improve outcomes for foster children. These improvements include placing greater emphasis on the effects of early neglect, the use of ongoing monitoring when evidence is insufficient to take action and prioritising children being placed with kin, or at least within their own culture. Maintaining the child in their placement and preventing repeated placement disruption must become a top priority if outcomes for foster children are to improve.