Reunification and reentry of foster children

This article reports the results of a case study of foster children in one county in Ohio. It examines questions pertaining to the child, family, and placement use characteristics associated with the timing of children's reunification and, for those who are reunified, reentry into foster care. The sample includes 2,616 children first entering care in 1992 and in 1993. The study design is longitudinal. Study data are drawn from the county's public child welfare agency's management information system. Event history analyses of these data revealed characteristics associated with a slower rate of reunification and a faster rate of reentry. Strengths and limitations of study findings are discussed. Implications for future research are drawn.