Factors associated with childhood out-of-home care entry and re-entry in high income countries: A systematic review of reviews
Published on: 15th August 2025
Reference type: Article
Summary:
Out-of-home care placements can profoundly impact children, families, and society. This systematic review synthesises findings from existing reviews on factors associated with entry and re-entry into out-of-home care.
The evidence highlights key factors associated with out-of-home care entry, including child-level factors (ethnicity, health, behaviour), family-level factors (parental socioeconomic adversities, substance use), community-level factors (neighbourhood conditions), and system-level factors (prior child welfare involvement). The review also identifies several factors associated with children remaining with their birth families and not entering out-of-home care.
Factors associated with childhood out-of-home care entry are multi-faceted and complex. There is opportunity for policymakers and practitioners to adopt preventative and holistic interventions to promote the wellbeing and stability of children and families.