Work

Religion and Continuity for Children in Care—An Examination of Public Views in 40 Countries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This comparative study, the first to date, examines how representative samples of citizens across 40 OECD countries (N = 41,232) balance religion and child welfare when deciding whether to move a five-year-old thriving in foster care to match parental religion. Using a vignette experiment and six hypotheses, the analysis links religiosity, perceived religious rights, authoritarian values, institutional context, and confidence in child protection to placement preferences. A large majority (88%) would not move the child, prioritising stability and well-being. The results show a trust “paradox” in which higher confidence in child protection correlates with support for moving the child. Justifications show broad appeal to the best interest principle across opposing choices. Deference to professional assessment varies markedly across countries, indicating divergent authority of social work expertise. Findings underscore the need to operationalise the best interests standard and to account for institutional context, while policymakers should recognise stable placements as the public default.

Source: Social Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/socsci15010030

Authors: Zacky Dhaffa Pratama, Marit Skivenes

Institution: University of Bergen

Language: English

Topic: Child Welfare and Adoption

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172