Study on Reunification

"A study of the relationship between the length of time children spent in foster care and the success of reunification showed a complex correlation between the two factors. Researchers examining the relationship between reunification and reentry in 33 Oklahoma counties found that reunification within the first 30 days was associated with low rates of reentry into foster care. However, reunification after 6 months was also related to low reentry rates. Reunifications that took place between 1 month and 6 months after the initial placement into foster care were associated with the highest rates of reentry into care." By Children's Bureau Express, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families, discussing "Balancing Reunification and Reentry Goals," by T. McDonald, S. Bryson, and J. Poertner published in the January 2006 issue of Children and Youth Services Review. Link (last visited 3-22-06 NVS)