The Impact of Placement Instability on Infants in Foster Care

Background: The first year of life provides a critical window of opportunity to shape a child’s future trajectory. While all children require consistent, responsive caregiving to reach their full potential, this is even more important for children in foster care – who are at increased risk of maladaptive developmental outcomes. Despite the benefits of stability and continuity in the early environment for children’s growth and well-being, many children in out-of-home care experience multiple moves between caregivers. This raises significant concerns for the potential negative effects of placement disruption or instability on the developing child – particularly during the period of infancy and early childhood when critical processes for social, emotional, and physical development are occurring. 

Methods: This report was developed to examine the literature relevant to the issue of placement instability for infants and children in out-of-home care and to synthesize research on the consequences of multiple moves in care, with a focus on any available evidence specific to infants under one year of age. 

Findings: Evidence from studies on the impact of placement instability on infants and children in foster care is limited overall and has focused more on factors associated with placement instability rather than the possible outcomes associated with instability. Research suggests that some children may be at greater risk for multiple moves in care, including infants. However, research has also shown that regardless of a child’s initial level of risk, placement instability while in care still has negative consequences. Among infants, evidence has largely focused on the impact of placement disruption on the infant’s ability to form secure attachments to caregivers and the impact on the developing brain. Among children and adolescents, evidence indicates that placement instability can have adverse effects on educational, psychosocial, and behavioural outcomes. 

Implications: Overall, research suggests that every effort should be made to promote stability and safety for children in out-of-home care – not only to optimize their foster care experience, but also their developmental trajectories and outcomes. Given that even a single move or separation from a caregiver can be experienced as disruptive for an infant or child, with the potential for lasting negative consequences – especially if it occurs critical developmental periods, any placement moves should be considered very carefully and cautiously. Research also points to the importance of incorporating a developmental perspective into placement decisions and permanency planning. Providing safe, secure, and stable placements with consistent and responsive caregiving for infants and children is essential for supporting their developmental needs and helping to maintain vital relationships, social networks, and other supports and services throughout their time in care.