Decision-making regarding out-of-home placement can be regarded as a high-stake decision with negative consequences for the child when erroneous decision-making occurs, and in some cases even when...Show moreDecision-making regarding out-of-home placement can be regarded as a high-stake decision with negative consequences for the child when erroneous decision-making occurs, and in some cases even when the non-erroneous decision is taken. Paradoxically, scant research is available on what contributes to decisions regarding out-of-home placement. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the main factors that contribute to decision-making, specifically focusing on case characteristics. In doing so, the paper draws on two important theories within decision-making, namely the Decision-Making Ecology, and the capacity-to-change model. The sample consisted of maltreating families in Dutch family residential clinics awaiting either a placement decision or a reunification decision (N = 56). Three different case characteristics in the form of overarching factors were investigated. Firstly, the parent factor (psychopathology and parenting stress), which was measured through self-report questionnaires. Secondly, the child factor consisting of active externalizing behavior and disobedient behavior, which was measured through observations. Lastly, the parenting capacity factor (the change in sensitivity, intrusiveness, and disciplining behavior during the residency in the family residential clinic), also measured through observations. Moreover, the role of a previous out-of-home placement measure within the family was researched. Multiple logistic regression models showed that solely the parent factor (psychopathology and parenting stress) marked a statistically significant contribution to the advice regarding the decision of out-of-home placement. The child factor and parenting capacity factor did not make a significant contribution to the advice regarding this decision and neither did previous out-of-home placement moderate the relationship between the case characteristics investigated and this decision. Future research should focus on all factors of the Decision-Making Ecology and their interplay, preferably in a wider sample of families entering the youth protection system.Show less
