An analysis of the safety outcome of children in the in-home supervision and out-of-home care, 1997

The purpose of this study was to compare the safety outcome for children who remained at home under the supervision of the State and children who were placed in foster care. There were two variables: (1) services as the independent variable, and (2) placement outcomes as the dependent variable. A correlational research design was used to analyze the data. An on-site review instrument was used to collect data from three county Departments of Social Services in South Carolina. Additionally, a case record analysis and a face-to-face interview approach were utilized. The conclusion drawn from this study is that families are confronted with many stressors and a lack of resources that affect their behavior. The researcher found that in cases where services were provided, maltreated children could remain safely in their homes. For future child maltreatment interventions, this could provide a comprehensive approach to services that might avoid unnecessary out-of-home placements