Journal of Children's ServicesTable of Contents for Journal of Children's Services. List of articles from the current issue, including Just Accepted (EarlyCite)https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1746-6660/vol/19/iss/1?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestJournal of Children's ServicesEmerald Publishing LimitedJournal of Children's ServicesJournal of Children's Serviceshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/proxy/containerImg?link=/resource/publication/journal/9e1b687cd36f29f8bfcf60f96132b218/urn:emeraldgroup.com:asset:id:binary:jcs.cover.jpghttps://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1746-6660/vol/19/iss/1?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest“It’s hard because it’s something new”: challenges for forcibly displaced parents upon resettlementhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-01-2023-0002/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestParent–child relationships formed in early childhood have profound implications for a child’s development and serve as a determinant for bio-social outcomes in adulthood. Positive parenting behaviors play a strong role in this development and are especially impactful during times of crisis because they buffer stressors that may lead to externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Children of forced migrants experience numerous extreme stressors and their parents may struggle with parenting due to their own adjustment and trauma histories. The purpose of this study is to understand how these parents conceptualize their struggles with parenting upon resettlement. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 migrant parents from three communities (Afghan, Burmese and Congolese) to understand their parenting experiences. The authors applied thematic text analysis to analyze the data. The authors identified four interrelated themes on parenting challenges across responses: adjustment to a new culture, acculturation differences, fear for children and balancing multiple responsibilities. The findings demonstrate that parents of different cultural backgrounds share certain experiences when negotiating a new cultural identity after resettlement. Providing educational programs that focus on these concerns may result in better outcomes for both parent and child. These findings extend and reinforce the existing literature on parenting in a new context. While the parents in this research come from different cultures, they share certain experiences that are important to consider when developing parenting programs, social services and other interventions, such as what may be negotiable and nonnegotiable practices for parents of different cultures.“It’s hard because it’s something new”: challenges for forcibly displaced parents upon resettlement
Nikita Rao, Jessica Kumar, Erin A. Weeks, Shannon Self-Brown, Cathleen E. Willging, Mary Helen O'Connor, Daniel J. Whitaker
Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.1-19

Parent–child relationships formed in early childhood have profound implications for a child’s development and serve as a determinant for bio-social outcomes in adulthood. Positive parenting behaviors play a strong role in this development and are especially impactful during times of crisis because they buffer stressors that may lead to externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Children of forced migrants experience numerous extreme stressors and their parents may struggle with parenting due to their own adjustment and trauma histories. The purpose of this study is to understand how these parents conceptualize their struggles with parenting upon resettlement.

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 migrant parents from three communities (Afghan, Burmese and Congolese) to understand their parenting experiences. The authors applied thematic text analysis to analyze the data.

The authors identified four interrelated themes on parenting challenges across responses: adjustment to a new culture, acculturation differences, fear for children and balancing multiple responsibilities. The findings demonstrate that parents of different cultural backgrounds share certain experiences when negotiating a new cultural identity after resettlement. Providing educational programs that focus on these concerns may result in better outcomes for both parent and child.

These findings extend and reinforce the existing literature on parenting in a new context. While the parents in this research come from different cultures, they share certain experiences that are important to consider when developing parenting programs, social services and other interventions, such as what may be negotiable and nonnegotiable practices for parents of different cultures.

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“It’s hard because it’s something new”: challenges for forcibly displaced parents upon resettlement10.1108/JCS-01-2023-0002Journal of Children's Services2023-12-26© 2023 Emerald Publishing LimitedNikita RaoJessica KumarErin A. WeeksShannon Self-BrownCathleen E. WillgingMary Helen O'ConnorDaniel J. WhitakerJournal of Children's Services1912023-12-2610.1108/JCS-01-2023-0002https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-01-2023-0002/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited
Adolescents’ perspectives on SSWs’ counselling practice in Swedish elementary schools: “plumb the depths and navigate to shore”https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0035/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescent’s experiences of individual school social work counselling in Swedish elementary schools. The study encompasses interviews with 16 adolescents about their experiences of individual counselling with school social workers (SSWs). The data was analysed using conventional content analysis. The main result was the adolescents’ desire “to navigate to shore” to speak freely about their whole lives with a professional SSW and find a “ safe haven,” […] where a trusting professional cared for and comforted them in counselling. The counselling contact contributed to increased knowledge about oneself. The results reveal the importance of the SSWs paying attention and listening to the adolescents’ narratives. The creation of a coherent life narrative enables to finally end counselling and “Cast off.” The results highlight the importance of Swedish SSWs focusing on individual counselling sessions with adolescents to provide a setting for growth.Adolescents’ perspectives on SSWs’ counselling practice in Swedish elementary schools: “plumb the depths and navigate to shore”
Maria Kjellgren, Sara Lilliehorn, Urban Markström
Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.20-37

This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescent’s experiences of individual school social work counselling in Swedish elementary schools.

The study encompasses interviews with 16 adolescents about their experiences of individual counselling with school social workers (SSWs). The data was analysed using conventional content analysis.

The main result was the adolescents’ desire “to navigate to shore” to speak freely about their whole lives with a professional SSW and find a “ safe haven,” […] where a trusting professional cared for and comforted them in counselling. The counselling contact contributed to increased knowledge about oneself. The results reveal the importance of the SSWs paying attention and listening to the adolescents’ narratives. The creation of a coherent life narrative enables to finally end counselling and “Cast off.”

The results highlight the importance of Swedish SSWs focusing on individual counselling sessions with adolescents to provide a setting for growth.

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Adolescents’ perspectives on SSWs’ counselling practice in Swedish elementary schools: “plumb the depths and navigate to shore”10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0035Journal of Children's Services2023-12-15© 2023 Maria Kjellgren, Sara Lilliehorn and Urban Markström.Maria KjellgrenSara LilliehornUrban MarkströmJournal of Children's Services1912023-12-1510.1108/JCS-06-2023-0035https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0035/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Maria Kjellgren, Sara Lilliehorn and Urban Markström.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Secure futures? A mixed methods study on opportunities for helping young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasonshttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2022-0019/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestUsing a mixed methodology comprising interviews, case file analysis and descriptive statistics, this study aims to examine the experiences of all 43 young people in Wales subject to secure accommodation orders between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2018. Children in the UK aged 10–17 years who are deemed to be at a significant level of risk to themselves or others may be subject to a secure accommodation order, leading to time spent in a secure children’s home (SCH) on welfare grounds. Following a rise in the number of children in Wales referred to SCHs for welfare reasons, this paper describes these young people’s journeys into, through and out of SCHs, giving insight into their experiences and highlighting areas for policy and practice improvements. Findings indicate that improvements in mental health support and placement availability are key in improving the experiences of this particularly vulnerable group of young people throughout their childhood. Other practical implications of the study’s findings, such as improvements in secure transport arrangements, are also discussed. While the findings are limited by the reliance on self-report methods and the size of the study, namely, the small number of young people with experience of SCHs who were able to participate, the findings build on the existing knowledge base around children’s residential accommodation and provide new insights into how best to support these children.Secure futures? A mixed methods study on opportunities for helping young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasons
Annie Williams, Hannah Bayfield, Martin Elliott, Jennifer Lyttleton-Smith, Honor Young, Rhiannon Evans, Sara Long
Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.38-53

Using a mixed methodology comprising interviews, case file analysis and descriptive statistics, this study aims to examine the experiences of all 43 young people in Wales subject to secure accommodation orders between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2018.

Children in the UK aged 10–17 years who are deemed to be at a significant level of risk to themselves or others may be subject to a secure accommodation order, leading to time spent in a secure children’s home (SCH) on welfare grounds. Following a rise in the number of children in Wales referred to SCHs for welfare reasons, this paper describes these young people’s journeys into, through and out of SCHs, giving insight into their experiences and highlighting areas for policy and practice improvements.

Findings indicate that improvements in mental health support and placement availability are key in improving the experiences of this particularly vulnerable group of young people throughout their childhood.

Other practical implications of the study’s findings, such as improvements in secure transport arrangements, are also discussed.

While the findings are limited by the reliance on self-report methods and the size of the study, namely, the small number of young people with experience of SCHs who were able to participate, the findings build on the existing knowledge base around children’s residential accommodation and provide new insights into how best to support these children.

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Secure futures? A mixed methods study on opportunities for helping young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasons10.1108/JCS-06-2022-0019Journal of Children's Services2024-03-06© 2023 Annie Williams, Hannah Bayfield, Martin Elliott, Jennifer Lyttleton-Smith, Honor Young, Rhiannon Evans and Sara Long.Annie WilliamsHannah BayfieldMartin ElliottJennifer Lyttleton-SmithHonor YoungRhiannon EvansSara LongJournal of Children's Services1912024-03-0610.1108/JCS-06-2022-0019https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2022-0019/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2023 Annie Williams, Hannah Bayfield, Martin Elliott, Jennifer Lyttleton-Smith, Honor Young, Rhiannon Evans and Sara Long.http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
Exploring participation and engagement in a multi-component, universal early parenting programmehttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0038/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestParenting programmes are increasingly a feature of services and policies aimed at improving outcomes for children and families and tackling inequality, yet they remain underused. This study aims to assess parent engagement and retention in the parent and infant (PIN) programme – a universal, multi-component intervention designed to support parents from birth to when their children reach two years of age. The programme can be tailored to parent/community needs but also includes standardised core elements including two Incredible Years parenting programmes. Programme provider perspectives on recruiting and supporting participation were also explored. A mixed methods study was conducted involving parents (n = 106) and programme providers involved in the PIN programme. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of participant demographic characteristics on the likelihood of programme engagement and attendance. Semi-structured interviews explored facilitators’ experiences of parent recruitment and engagement, as well as barriers and facilitators of parental attendance. First-time mothers were more likely to initially enrol in the PIN programme than younger or lone parents. However, older age and married/cohabiting status were the strongest predictors of attending at least one-third of programme sessions. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of relationship building and connection in supporting participant recruitment and engagement. Practical and psychological barriers to programme participation are also described. The findings shed light on factors that influence engagement and attendance in universal, early parent support programmes. Barriers to parent engagement are multi-layered and tailored strategies to promote uptake of parenting programmes are needed.Exploring participation and engagement in a multi-component, universal early parenting programme
Gráinne Hickey, Yvonne Leckey, Sinead McGilloway
Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.54-73

Parenting programmes are increasingly a feature of services and policies aimed at improving outcomes for children and families and tackling inequality, yet they remain underused. This study aims to assess parent engagement and retention in the parent and infant (PIN) programme – a universal, multi-component intervention designed to support parents from birth to when their children reach two years of age. The programme can be tailored to parent/community needs but also includes standardised core elements including two Incredible Years parenting programmes. Programme provider perspectives on recruiting and supporting participation were also explored.

A mixed methods study was conducted involving parents (n = 106) and programme providers involved in the PIN programme. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of participant demographic characteristics on the likelihood of programme engagement and attendance. Semi-structured interviews explored facilitators’ experiences of parent recruitment and engagement, as well as barriers and facilitators of parental attendance.

First-time mothers were more likely to initially enrol in the PIN programme than younger or lone parents. However, older age and married/cohabiting status were the strongest predictors of attending at least one-third of programme sessions. Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of relationship building and connection in supporting participant recruitment and engagement. Practical and psychological barriers to programme participation are also described.

The findings shed light on factors that influence engagement and attendance in universal, early parent support programmes. Barriers to parent engagement are multi-layered and tailored strategies to promote uptake of parenting programmes are needed.

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Exploring participation and engagement in a multi-component, universal early parenting programme10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0038Journal of Children's Services2024-02-02© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedGráinne HickeyYvonne LeckeySinead McGillowayJournal of Children's Services1912024-02-0210.1108/JCS-06-2023-0038https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-06-2023-0038/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited
Shipping containers and speed boats: exploring the contexts and relational spaces professionals navigate to safeguard young people from criminal exploitationhttps://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-08-2022-0024/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatestThis paper aims to present a mixed methods study of child criminal exploitation (CCE), particularly in the form of “county lines”, in three local authorities in southeast England. The data is analysed using a framework constructed from two relevant contextual and relational theories to understand experiences of CCE and the safeguarding responses undertaken to protect young people from harm. Data were drawn from a survey (n = 118); interviews (n = 5) and focus groups (n = 15) with professionals; interviews with parents (n = 4); and from secondary analysis of eight interviews with young people affected by criminal exploitation. The analytic framework was applied to the data to answer two research questions: what is the role and significance of young people’s interactions with peers, parents and professionals in their CCE trajectories; and how do professionals understand and address risks within contexts in which young people are exposed to CCE? The mixed methods data collected by the authors were coded and analysed using this framework. Although professionals were aware of contexts and relational power dynamics, the situated and temporal nature of CCE remained overlooked within safeguarding systems. Professionals required more space, time and support to fully and flexibly engage with young people and their families to increase safety. There is limited research available that critically examines safeguarding responses to CCE in diverse geographic and cultural contexts. This paper contributes a critical account of how professionals might create connections and opportunities for change with young people, identifying structural constraints within practice systems alongside emerging examples of effective practice.Shipping containers and speed boats: exploring the contexts and relational spaces professionals navigate to safeguard young people from criminal exploitation
Kristine Langhoff, Michelle Lefevre, Rachel Larkin
Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.74-87

This paper aims to present a mixed methods study of child criminal exploitation (CCE), particularly in the form of “county lines”, in three local authorities in southeast England. The data is analysed using a framework constructed from two relevant contextual and relational theories to understand experiences of CCE and the safeguarding responses undertaken to protect young people from harm.

Data were drawn from a survey (n = 118); interviews (n = 5) and focus groups (n = 15) with professionals; interviews with parents (n = 4); and from secondary analysis of eight interviews with young people affected by criminal exploitation. The analytic framework was applied to the data to answer two research questions: what is the role and significance of young people’s interactions with peers, parents and professionals in their CCE trajectories; and how do professionals understand and address risks within contexts in which young people are exposed to CCE? The mixed methods data collected by the authors were coded and analysed using this framework.

Although professionals were aware of contexts and relational power dynamics, the situated and temporal nature of CCE remained overlooked within safeguarding systems. Professionals required more space, time and support to fully and flexibly engage with young people and their families to increase safety.

There is limited research available that critically examines safeguarding responses to CCE in diverse geographic and cultural contexts. This paper contributes a critical account of how professionals might create connections and opportunities for change with young people, identifying structural constraints within practice systems alongside emerging examples of effective practice.

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Shipping containers and speed boats: exploring the contexts and relational spaces professionals navigate to safeguard young people from criminal exploitation10.1108/JCS-08-2022-0024Journal of Children's Services2024-01-31© 2024 Emerald Publishing LimitedKristine LanghoffMichelle LefevreRachel LarkinJournal of Children's Services1912024-01-3110.1108/JCS-08-2022-0024https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JCS-08-2022-0024/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest© 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited