Strengths, compliance, or deficits: examining professional viewpoints on the ‘realistic possibility of reunification’ for parents with children in care

This pilot study explored child protection and out-of-home care workers’ perspectives on factors influencing likelihood of reunification. In a Q-sort task, thirty participants ranked 28 statements about reunification. Factor analysis identified three viewpoints. Over half of participants aligned with a strengths-focused viewpoint, emphasizing collaboration and parents’ capacity for change. One-third were compliance-focused, prioritizing adherence to institutional directives and downplaying complexities of parents’ needs. The remainder were deficit-focused, holding pessimistic views and emphasizing past failures. Findings highlight need for systemic changes to build strengths-based practices and move beyond ritualistic compliance. Further research can address decision-making biases and promote trauma-informed family-centered practice.