Permanency Decisions in Child Welfare: A Qualitative Study

Abstract This article presents findings from an exploratory in-depth qualitative research project with seventeen child welfare professionals exploring their permanency decisions regards to Looked after Children. Thinking aloud-protocols and semi-structured interviews, in conjunction a specifically constructed vignette were used explore the of workers. Findings this innovative suggest that different taken by participants based on viewing same vignette. However, even though differed, they clustered around more interventionist options most favouring adoption foster care despite viable alternatives offered. There was broad consistency related rationale for taken, but did not translate into consistent option being chosen. Possible reasons account are heuristically constructed, idiosyncratic individual inclinations influenced factors other than needs service user. The implications children families do get reliable response needs. We therefore recommend greater use structured decision-making tools increase objectivity consistency.