Research on best practice confirmed that children thrive best when placed in a family environment. As such, the Authority will promote family reintegration and the placement of children in a family environment when making decisions on the living arrangements for a child. 

Research has also shown that mentally healthy children who have loving parents, and by extension loving primary caregivers, have healthier brain development.  Alternatively, children who are depressed or have been victims of abuse are more likely to have stunted brain development and a lowered ability to deal with stress.  These findings have significant psycho-social implications as evidence suggests that unless helped, abused children are more vulnerable to disruptive and high-risk behaviours.

Family reintegration focuses on the child’s return to his/her immediate or extended family, where this is possible and in the best interest of the child. This will be done through strengthening families and building capacity within homes.  

When family reintegration is not possible, and removal from the family setting is necessary, the Authority will ensure the provision of high quality and nurturing care through integrating the child into a family environment.  This will be done by exploring alternative care options such as Adoption and Foster Care.  It is important to note that at present, the primary placement option for children is residential care.  The Authority will work, therefore, with the management of Community Residences with the aim of reintegrating children with their natural familieswhere appropriate, possible and in the best interest of the child.