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Professor Michael Tarren-Sweeney

Contact

Department: School of Health Sciences

Email: michael.tarren-sweeney@canterbury.ac.nz

Direct Dial: +64 3 3693524

Office: Rehua 209

Language: English

About
Research / Creative works
Networks
Projects
Methods & Equipment

Fields of Research

  • Developmental Psychopathology
  • Mental health of children in foster, kinship and residential care
  • Mental health of other high-risk children
  • Development and wellbeing of children in care
  • Children's social policy

Researcher Summary

The psychological development, world view and well-being of children in care and those adopted from care remains poorly understood. My journey towards understanding the lives and minds of such children began in 1989, when I started working as a child and family psychologist with children in care and other child welfare clients. I was struck by the absence of empirical knowledge about their development, mental health and well-being – of the lack of conceptual frameworks; of various phenomenological mysteries; and a reliance on non-standardised and subjective measurement tools. Few people had researched these questions for maltreated children, and even fewer had looked in any detail at how they applied to children in care and those adopted from care. These gaps in our knowledge have since been the focus of my life’s work – driven by my belief that improved knowledge can lead to better prevention, identification and treatment of the psychological problems manifested by such children. My work is also driven by a strong intellectual curiosity about these questions.

To date, the Children in Care study and the Assessment Checklist for Children have been my most important contributions to improving our understanding of adopted and ‘in care’ children. My findings from this work are helping to re-conceptualise the development and mental health of children in care, and those who transition from care to adoption.

Subject Area: Disciplines

  • Health and Health Sciences: Clinical Medicine; Public Health
  • Indigenous Studies: Indigenous Studies
  • Psychology: Clinical Psychology
  • Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, Criminology and Gender Studies: Social Policy; Social Work

Resources

  • Staff webpage

Prizes and Awards

  • Innovation Medal ( 2016 - present )
  • British Academy Visiting Fellowship ( 2009 )
  • School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, United Kingdom ( 2009 - 2010)

Research/Scholarly/Creative Works

Authored Books
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2019) Mental Health Screening and Monitoring for Children in Care: A Short Guide for Children's Agencies and Post-Adoption Services. New York: Routledge. 196. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315102078.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2014) Clinician's guide to the Assessment Checklist series: Specialized mental health measures for children in care. London: Routledge. xiv+169.
Edited Volumes
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Vetere A. (2013) Mental health services for vulnerable children and young people: Supporting children who are, or have been, in foster care. London: Routledge. 226pp.
Chapters
  • France KG., Annan J., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Whitcombe-Dobbs S. (2016) Psychological practice with children, families and the agencies that care for them. In Rucklidge JJ; Waitoki W; Feather J; Robertson N (Ed.), Professional practice of Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand (3rd ed.): 503-524. Wellington: New Zealand Psychological Society.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2014) Our 21st century quest: Locating effective mental health interventions for children and young people in care, and those adopted from care. In Tarren-Sweeney M; Vetere A (Ed.), Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Children and Young People: Supporting children who are, or have been, in foster care: 37-58. London: Routledge.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2014) Principles for the design of mental health services for children and young people in care, and those adopted from care. In Tarren-Sweeney M; Vetere A (Ed.), Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Children and Young People: Supporting children who are, or have been, in foster care: 210-224. London: Routledge.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) Our twenty-first century quest: Locating effective mental health interventions for children and young people in care, and those adopted from care. Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Children and Young People: Supporting Children who are, or have been, in Foster Care: 37-57. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203095478-10.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) Principles for the design of mental health services for children and young people in care, and those adopted from care. Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Children and Young People: Supporting Children who are, or have been, in Foster Care: 210-224. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203095478-21.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Vetere A. (2013) Establishing the need for mental health services for children and young people in care, and those who are subsequently adopted. Mental Health Services for Vulnerable Children and Young People: Supporting Children who are, or have been, in Foster Care: 3-20. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9780203095478-8.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Vetere A. (2013) Establishing the need for mental health services for children and young people in care, and those who are subsequently adopted. In Tarren-Sweeney M; Vetere A (Ed.), Mental health services for vulnerable children and young people: Supporting children who are, or have been, in foster care: 3-20. London: Routledge.
  • France K. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2011) Preparing Psychologists to Work Within the Family Court. In Seymour F; Blackwell S; Thorburn J (Ed.), Psychology and the Law in Aotearoa New Zealand: 95-108. Wellington: New Zealand Psychological Society.
  • France K., Annan J., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Butler H. (2007) Beyond Educational and Clinical Psychology: Working with Children, Families and the Agencies that Care for Them. In Evans IM; Rucklidge JJ; O'Driscoll M (Ed.), Professional Practice of Psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand: 467-487. Wellington: New Zealand Psychological Society.
Journal Articles
  • Drever S., Tarren-Sweeney M., Nunn K. and Jairam R. (2023) Helping Young People in Out-of-Home Care: Basic Elements. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 62(1): 8-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.016.
  • Hiller RM., Lehmann S., Lewis SJ., Minnis H., Shelton KH., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Taussig HN. (2023) Accommodating Complexity: The Need for Evidence-Informed Mental Health Assessments for Children in Out-of-Home Care. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 62(1): 12-18. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.021.
  • Lawless J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2022) Alignment of Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder With Complex Developmental Symptomatology. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40653-022-00445-6.
  • Townsend ML., Tarren-Sweeney M., Hopkins J., Paxman M., Dey P. and Katz I. (2022) COVID-19: Impact on children living in out-of-home care and their carers. Australian Journal of Social Issues http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.244.
  • Whitehead L., Barraclough S. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2022) Foster carers' perceptions of the long-term effectiveness of the Fostering Changes programme. Journal of Family Therapy http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12416.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2021) A narrative review of mental and relational health interventions for children in family-based out-of-home care. Journal of Family Therapy 43(3): 376-391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-6427.12341.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2021) Mental Health Symptom Profiles of Adolescents in Foster Care. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00417-2.
  • Palacios J., Adroher S., Brodzinsky DM., Grotevant HD., Johnson DE., Juffer F., Martínez-Mora L., Muhamedrahimov RJ., Selwyn J. and Simmonds J. (2019) Adoption in the service of child protection: An international interdisciplinary perspective. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law 25(2): 57-72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/law0000192.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2019) Do adolescents in care systematically under-report their mental health difficulties in population studies? A narrative review. Developmental Child Welfare 1(3): 251-272. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219829483.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Goemans A. (2019) A narrative review of stability and change in the mental health of children who grow up in family-based out-of-home care. Developmental Child Welfare 1(3): 273-294. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219874810.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Goemans A., Hahne AS. and Gieve M. (2019) Mental health screening for children in care using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Brief Assessment Checklists: Guidance from three national studies. Developmental Child Welfare 1(2): 177-196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219829756.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2019) Introduction to Developmental Child Welfare: A new interdisciplinary journal connecting developmental science and child welfare. Developmental Child Welfare 1(1): 3-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219827434.
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2019) What evidence is there that parenting interventions reduce child abuse and neglect among maltreating families? A systematic review. Developmental Child Welfare 1(4): 374-393. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219893383.
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2019) What evidence is there that parenting interventions reduce child abuse and neglect among maltreating families? A systematic review. Developmental Child Welfare 1(4): 374-393. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2516103219893383.
  • Goemans A., Tarren-Sweeney MJ., van Geel M. and Vedder P. (2018) Psychosocial screening and monitoring for children in foster care: Psychometric properties of the Brief Assessment Checklists in a Dutch population study. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 23(1): 9-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104517706527.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) The mental health of adolescents residing in court-ordered foster care: Findings from a population survey. Child Psychiatry and Human Development 49(3): 443-451. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10578-017-0763-7.
  • Matheson SL., Kariuki M., Green MJ., Dean K., Harris F., Tzoumakis S., Tarren-Sweeney M., Brinkman S., Chilvers M. and Sprague T. (2017) Effects of maltreatment and parental schizophrenia spectrum disorders on early childhood social-emotional functioning: A population record linkage study. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences 26(6): 612-623. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S204579601600055X.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2017) Rates of meaningful change in the mental health of children in long-term out-of-home care: A seven- to nine-year prospective study. Child Abuse & Neglect 72: 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.07.002.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2017) Mental health services for our most vulnerable children. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 22(4): 521-523. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104517734093.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2017) Rates of meaningful change in the mental health of children in long-term out-of-home care: A seven- to nine-year prospective study. Child Abuse and Neglect 72: 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.07.002.
  • Liberty K., Tarren-Sweeney M., Macfarlane S., Basu A. and Reid J. (2016) Behavior problems and post-traumatic stress symptoms in children beginning school: A comparison of pre- and post-earthquake groups. PLoS Currents Disasters 8(2016): 25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/currents.dis.2821c82fbc27d0c2aa9e00cff532b402.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2016) The developmental case for adopting children from care. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 21(4): 497-505. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104516670277.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2014) The clinical application of attachment theory and research: Introducing a series of Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry special sections. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 19(3): 333-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104514538709.
  • Dallos R., Vetere A., Brazier A. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) Editorial: A farewell and a welcome. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 18(2): 167-168. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104513476769.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) An investigation of complex attachment- and trauma-related symptomatology among children in foster and kinship care. Child Psychiatry and Human Development 44(6): 727-741. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10578-013-0366-x.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) Editorial: Setting the bar higher - What information do we need to establish the effectiveness of mental health interventions for children with complex attachment- and trauma-related difficulties? Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 18(1): 3-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104512467406.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) The Assessment Checklist for Adolescents - ACA: A scale for measuring the mental health of young people in foster, kinship, residential and adoptive care. Children and Youth Services Review 35(3): 384-393. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.12.005.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) The Brief Assessment Checklists (BAC-C, BAC-A): Mental health screening measures for school-aged children and adolescents in foster, kinship, residential and adoptive care. Children and Youth Services Review 35(5): 771-779. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.01.025.
  • Liberty K., Pattemore P., Reid J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2011) Asthma associated with lower achievement in reading for school entry. Journal of Primary Health Care 3(3): 255.
  • Murray L., Tarren-Sweeney M. and France K. (2011) Foster carer perceptions of support and training in the context of high burden of care. Child & Family Social Work 16(2): 149-158. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2010.00722.x.
  • Liberty K., Pattemore P., Reid J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) Beginning school with asthma independently predicts low achievement in a prospective cohort of children. Chest 138(6): 1349-1355. http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0543.
  • Liberty KA., Pattemore P., Reid J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) Beginning School With Asthma Independently Predicts Low Achievement in a Prospective Cohort of Children. CHEST 138(6): 1349-1355. http://dx.doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-0543.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) An exploratory investigation of abnormal pain response among pre-adolescent children in foster care. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 15(1): 65-79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104509338433.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) Concordance of mental health impairment and service utilization among children in care. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 15(4): 481-495. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104510376130.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) It's time to re-think mental health services for children in care, and those adopted from care. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 15(4): 613-626. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359104510377702.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) Predictors of Problematic Sexual Behavior Among Children With Complex Maltreatment Histories. Child Maltreatment 13(2): 182-198. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1077559508316043.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) Retrospective and concurrent predictors of the mental health of children in care. Children and Youth Services Review 30(1): 1-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2007.05.014.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) The mental health of children in out-of-home care. Current Opinion in Psychiatry 21(4): 345-349. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0b013e32830321fa.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2007) The Assessment Checklist for Children - ACC: A behavioral rating scale for children in foster, kinship and residential care. Children and Youth Services Review 29(5): 672-691. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2007.01.008.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2006) Patterns of aberrant eating among pre-adolescent children in foster care. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 34(5): 621-632. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10802-006-9045-8.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2006) The mental health of children in foster and kinship care in New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 42(3): 91-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00804.x.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2005) The mental health and socialization of siblings in care. Children and Youth Services Review 27(7): 821-843.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Carr V. (2004) Principles for Development of Multi-Disciplinary, Mental Health Learning Modules for Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Continuing Education. Education for Health: Change in Learning and Practice 17(2): 204-212.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hazell P. and Carr V. (2004) Are foster parents reliable informants of children’s behaviour problems? Child: Care, Health and Development 30(2): 167-175.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hazell P., Callan K., Vimpani G. and Keatinge D. (2003) Parent-nominated priorities for delivery of educational services to children with disruptive behavior. Journal of International Special Needs Education 6: 21-27.
  • Hazell P., Tarren-Sweeney M., Vimpani G., Keatinge D. and Callan K. (2002) Children with disruptive behaviours I: Service utilization. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 38: 27-31.
  • Hazell P., Tarren-Sweeney M., Vimpani G., Keatinge D. and Callan K. (2002) Children with disruptive behaviours II: Clinical and community service needs. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 38: 32-40.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hazell P., Vimpani G., Keatinge D. and Callan K. (2002) The service needs of families caring for preschool-aged children with disruptive behaviours. Australian Journal of Early Childhood 27(1): 39-45.
  • Keatinge D., Tarren-Sweeney M., Vimpani G., Hazell P. and Callan K. (2000) Identifying service needs of children with disruptive behavior problems using a Nominal Group Technique. Nursing and Health Sciences 2: 179-189.
Conference Contributions - Other
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2021) Chair of Conference session titled: Trauma- and stressor- related difficulties in youth placed in out-of-home care: Validity, associations and measurement. Zurich, Switzerland: XVI International Conference of the European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents, EUSARF 2021, 1-3 Sep 2021.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2021) Impermanence Theory – A developmental-transactional model for researching the psychosocial effects of growing up in impermanent out-of-home care. George Abbott Symposium, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand., 26 Aug 2021.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hahn A., Gieve M. and Goemans A. (2021) Improving mental health screening for children in care. Zurich, Switzerland: XVI International Conference of the European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents (EUSARF), Zurich, Switzerland, 1-3 Sep 2021.
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Schluter P. (2021) Attachment representations and reflective functioning among parents involved with Child Protection Services: Do they predict ongoing harm? Zurich, Switzerland: XVI International Conference of European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents (EUSARF), 1 Sep 2021.
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Schluter P. (2021) Self-report measures of parental psychosocial functioning do not predict further maltreatment of children involved with child protection services. Zurich, Switzerland: XVI International Conference of the European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents (EUSARF), 1 Sep 2021.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) How should the state address the plight of children growing up in statutory out-of-home care? Insights from developmental science, history and philosophy (Keynote Address). Brisbane, Australia: 2nd National Permanency Conference, 8-9 Nov 2018.
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2018) Intervention with Maltreating Parents: What Works? Porto, Portugal: EUSARF - XV International Conference, 2-5 Oct 2018.
  • Goemans A., Tarren-Sweeney MJ., van Geel M. and Vedder P. (2017) Improving mental health screening for children in care. Hong Kong: New perspectives for outcome-based evaluation and research on family and children's services, 7-8 Sep 2017.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2016) Assessment, decision-making and inter-agency working with children in care. University College Cork, Cork, Ireland: Who cares? Meeting the mental health needs of children in care. A Joint Initiative between CAMHS Clinical Psychology and Social Work Services, 21-21 Mar 2016.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2016) The developmental rationale for adoption of children who are in need of care. Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand: Keynote address at the 5th International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR5), 7-11 Jan 2016.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2016) The impact of impermanent care and placement instability on children’s development and well-being. University of Technology, Sydney, Australia: Keynote address to the NSW Department of Family and Community Services’ OOHC Adoption Practice Innovation Forums Launch, 9-9 Feb 2016.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2016) Training and registration for the use of the Assessment Checklist Series - Specialized mental health measures for children in care (one-day workshop). University College Cork, Cork, Ireland: Who cares? Meeting the mental health needs of children in care. A Joint Initiative between CAMHS Clinical Psychology and Social Work Services, 21-22 Mar 2016.
  • Liberty K., Tarren-Sweeney M., Macfarlane S., Basu A. and Reid J. (2015) Post-traumatic stress symptoms among five-year-old children exposed to a series of earthquakes and a non-exposed comparison group. Christchurch, New Zealand: 8th Educational Psychology Forum, 23 Nov 2015.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) One-day clinical workshop on the use of the Assessment Checklist for Children. Dublin City University, Ireland: Challenges and opportunities in Working with Children in Care: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, 21-21 Oct 2013.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) Who are children and young people in care, and why do they need specialised mental health services? Dublin City University, Ireland: Challenges and opportunities in Working with Children in Care: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (DCLIN), 21-21 Oct 2013.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2012) Children and young people in out-of-home care: Who are they and how can we look after them? Sydney, Australia: Annual Conference of the Psychological Services Division of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, 29-30 May 2012.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2012) Workshop: How to use the assessment checklist for children. Sydney, Australia: Annual Conference of the Psychological Services Division of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, 29-30 May 2012.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2012) Workshop: Specialised clinical practice with children and young people in out-of-home care. Sydney, Australia: Annual Conference of the Psychological Services Division of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, 29-30 May 2012.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2011) Are we different? Re-conceptualising the mental health of 'looked after children' and children adopted from care. London, UK: Family Futures Consortium Conference 2011, 30 Nov-1 Dec 2011.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2011) Masterclass: Clinical assessment using the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC). London, UK: Family Futures Consortium Conference 2011, 30 Nov-1 Dec 2011.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) Assessment of complex and severe mental health difficulties among children adopted from care, with particular reference to the Assessment Checklist for Children. Leiden, Netherlands: 3rd International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR3), 11-15 Jul 2010.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) It's time to re-think mental health services for children in care, and those adopted from care. Sydney, Australia: Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) 15th National Conference 2010, 2-4 Aug 2010.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2010) The psychosocial effects of impermanent, non-institutional care - A conceptual framework for future research. Leiden, Netherlands: 3rd International Conference on Adoption Research (ICAR3), 11-15 Jul 2010.
  • France K., Butler H. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2009) Family matters: Are we there yet guys? Conflict...Process...Resolution(?) in training New Zealand psychologists to work with families. Palmerston North, New Zealand: New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2009, 27-30 Aug 2009.
  • France KG., Butler H. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2009) Family matters: Are we there yet guys? Conflict…Process…Resolution(?) in training New Zealand psychologists to work with families. Palmerston North, New Zealand: New Zealand Psychological Society Annual Conference 2009, 27-30 Aug 2009.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2009) Attachment and Trauma-related Psychopathology among Children in Alternate Care. Queenstown, New Zealand: Child 2009: Annual Conference of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry RANZCP, 6-9 Sep 2009.
  • Pattemore P., Liberty K., Reid J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) Asthma and Respiratory Conditions in a Sample of New Entrant Children in Canterbury. Christchurch, New Zealand: Health Research Society of Canterbury (HRSC) Conference 2007, 25-25 Aug 2007.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) Could sexual behaviour problems be manifestations of disordered or disorganised attachment among maltreated pre-adolescent children? Christchurch, New Zealand: Annual Conference of the New Zealand Psychological Society, 29-31 Aug 2008.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) Permanency Planning: a clinical perspective. Sydney, Australia: Authorised Clinicians' Professional Development Day: Permanency Planning, 25-25 Jul 2008.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) The Needs of Children in Care: questions and answers on the Assessment Checklist for Children. Sydney, Australia: Authorised Clinicians' Professional Development Day: Permanency Planning, 25-25 Jul 2008.
  • Pattemore P., Liberty K., Reid J. and Tarren-Sweeney M. (2007) Asthma and Respiratory Conditions in a Sample of New Entrant Children in Christchurch. Christchurch, New Zealand: Health Research Society of Canterbury (HRSC) Conference 2007, 25-25 Aug 2007.
  • Schuckard E., Tarren-Sweeney M., Liberty K. and Pattemore P. (2007) Functional asthma severity and impulsive behaviour in 6 and 7 year old children. Christchurch, New Zealand: Health Research Society of Canterbury (HRSC) Conference 2007, 25-25 Aug 2007.
  • Walker A., Liberty K., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Pattemore P. (2007) Asthma Severity and Internalising Behaviour Problems in Children with Asthma. Christchurch, New Zealand: Health Research Society of Canterbury (HRSC) Conference 2007, 25-25 Aug 2007.
  • Kelly B., Stain H., Carr V., Beard J., Fragar L., Lyle D., Lewin T., Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hourihan F. (2005) Living in a rural community: Determinants and consequences of mental health and wellbeing. Sydney, Australia: Psychiatry in a Changing World, 22 May 2005.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2005) What influences the mental health of children in care? (Vulnerability, risk and protection). Sydney, Australia: Out-of-Home Care - Outcomes for Children - What works best?, 30 Jun 2005.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2004) Assessment of children in care. Sydney, Australia: Clinical and Psychometric Assessment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practice, 26 Jul 2004.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2004) The Development and Factor Structure of the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC): A rating scale of psychiatric problems specific to children in foster care. Berlin, Germany: 16th World Congress of the International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP), 22 Aug 2004.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2004) The Mental Health of Children in Long-term Foster and Kinship Care: The Children in Care Study. Berlin, Germany: 16th World Congress of the International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP), 23 Aug 2004.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2003) Teaching Health Equity - Meeting the Educational Challenges. Newcastle, Australia: The Network: Towards Unity for Health, International Conference, 11 Oct 2003.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Carr V. (2003) Principles for development of multi-disciplinary mental health learning modules for undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education. Newcastle, Australia: The Network: Towards Unity for Health, International Conference, 11 Oct 2003.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2003) Development of the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC): A psychiatric rating scale for children in care. Christchurch, New Zealand: Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (ASPR), 4 Dec 2003.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Hazell P. (2003) The mental health of children in long-term foster and kinship care in NSW (The Children in Care Study). Christchurch, New Zealand: Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (ASPR), 4 Dec 2003.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hazell P., Keatinge D., Vimpani G. and Callan K. (2000) The priority of needs of families of children manifesting disruptive behaviours. Auckland, New Zealand: Joint meeting of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the New Zealand Child and Adolescent Mental Health Association, 29 Jun 2000.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Vimpani G., Hazell P., Keatinge D. and Callan K. (2000) A study of the perceived service needs of Hunter region families who have children with disruptive behaviour problems. Sydney, Australia: Hippocrates and Socrates V (Children’s Hospital Education Research Institute Conference). Positive Solutions for Challenging Behaviours, 3 Jun 2000.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (1998) Report on the Pilot Stage of the Children in Care study. Sydney, Australia: State Conference of the NSW Child Protection Counci, 5 May 1998.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. and Allerton M. (1998) What are Department of Community Services’ Psychologists researching, and what do they want to know? Sydney, Australia: Annual Conference of Psychologists in Disability Services, NSW Department of Community Services, 1 Jun 1998.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (1996) Construction of Research Clinical Ranges for the Child Behaviour Checklist. Newcastle, Australia: Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (ASPR), 1 Dec 1996.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (1996) The Children in Care Study: Overview of research plan, construction of supplementary survey instruments and measurement of risk / protective factors. Melbourne, Australia: 9th Annual Meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 10 Sep 1996.
Oral Presentations
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2022) Formulating the development and mental health of children and young people who grow up in care. Sydney, Australia: DCJ Psychological & Specialist Services Conference, 20 Oct 2022.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2022) Specialized psychological practice for children and young people who grow up in care.. Sydney, Australia: DCJ Psychological & Specialist Services Conference, 20 Oct 2022.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Waterman C., Syrstad E., Vermeire S., Herring N., Stead H. and Lobatto W. (2021) Looked after Children and their carers: what has systemic work to offer? UK Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice: Webinar: Looked after Children and their carers: what has systemic work to offer?, 04 Nov 2021.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2020) How should the state respond to the plight of children growing up in statutory care? Insights from developmental science, history and philosophy. Christchurch, New Zealand: Family Courts Association seminar “Issues surrounding children in state care”.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2019) The psychosocial development of children who grow up in out-of-home care remains a mystery, because research has been too small, too fragmented, too narrow and too brief! Melbourne, Australia: Invited lecture, Social Work Department, Monash University.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) How should the state respond to the plight of children growing up in statutory care? Insights from developmental science, history and philosophy. Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia: 2018 Karen Fitzgerald Oration, 18 Apr 2018.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) The psychosocial development of children who grow up in out-of-home care remains a mystery, because our research is too small, too fragmented, too narrow and too brief! Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Seville, Spain: Invited lecture, 25 Sep 2018.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) Unnatural childhoods – Growing up in impermanent, statutory care. Department of Forensic, Family and Youth Care Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands: Colloquium, 20 Sep 2018.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2018) Unnatural childhoods – Growing up in impermanent, statutory care. University of Canterbury, New Zealand: University of Canterbury Professorial Lecture Series, 08 Mar 2018.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2017) Keynote Address: Developmental Child Welfare – Using developmental knowledge and theory to reform child welfare and alternative care. Celtic Park, Glasgow, United Kingdom: Changing the narrative: Responding to the developmental needs of looked after children and those who care for them. CELCIS University of Strathclyde, 20 Nov 2017.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2017) The psychological development and mental health of children who have ongoing need for care. Workshop for infant, child and adolescent mental health services, South-West Sydney health region. Liverpool, Sydney: 17 May 2017.
  • Tarren-Sweeney MJ. (2017) What’s the game plan for improving the mental health and well-being of children in care? Workshop for infant, child and adolescent mental health services, South-West Sydney health region. Liverpool, Sydney.
  • Liberty K., Tarren-Sweeney M., Macfarlane S., Basu A. and Reid J. (2015) Post-traumatic stress symptoms at school entry of children affected by earthquakes during their preschool years. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand: Paediatric Department Seminar, Paediatric Department Seminar.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2015) Developmental child welfare - Protecting the development of children who are in need of care. Seminar, National Adoption Awareness Week. Adelaide, Australia: Seminar, National Adoption Awareness Week.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2015) Developmental child welfare - Protecting the development of children who are in need of care. Seminar, National Adoption Awareness Week. Melbourne, Australia: Seminar presented for the National Adoption Awareness Week.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2015) Developmental child welfare - Protecting the development of children who are in need of care. Seminar, National Adoption Awareness Week. Sydney, Australia: Webinar recorded for the National Adoption Awareness Week.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) The prevalence, nature and severity of mental health difficulties experienced by looked after children and those adopted from care. London, UK: One-day workshop presented by PAC and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2013) What is the evidence base for effective mental health interventions for looked after and adopted children? London, UK: One-day workshop sponsored by PAC and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2009) Establishing the need for greater specialisation in clinical and developmental assessment of children in care (including those adopted from care). Tavistock Clinic, London, UK: British Association for Fostering and Adoption Workshop, 15 Sep 2000.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) What influences the mental health of children in care? Vulnerability, risk and protection. Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand: Invited research seminar, 27 Aug 2008.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2006) The mental health of children in care. Group Special Education, Christchurch: Professional development for GSE clinicians, 01 Apr 2006.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2006) What influences the mental health of children in care? Vulnerability, risk and protection. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand: Family Court Association research presentation, 09 Jun 2006.
Reports
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2005) The Children in Care Study: Technical report of baseline survey findings.Commissioned by New South Wales Department of Community Services, Australia.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., Hazell P. and Tadele G. (1997) Report of the pilot stage of the Children in Care Study: Technical report to the NSW Department of Community Services.Commissioned by New South Wales Department of Community Services, Australia.
Other
  • Tarren-Sweeney M., France K., Hall S., Dorahy MJ., Salmon K., McDermott B., Cobham V. and Eggleston M. (2010) Tips for coping with distress in young children afer the earthquake. [Pamphlet].
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2007) Linda Nutt, The Lives of Foster Carers: Private Sacrifices, Public Restrictions. Abingdon: Routledge, 2006; 136pp. Child and Family Social Work 12(1): 107. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00479.x. [Book Review].
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2006) Kedar Nath Dwievedi and Peter Brinley Harper, Promoting the emotional well-being of children and adolescents and preventing their mental ill health: A handbook. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2004; 288pp. Children and Youth Services Review 28(5): 587-589. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2005.08.002. [Book Review].
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2003) Book review of “Parental substance misuse and child welfare”, by Kroll, B., Taylor, A. Drug and Alcohol Review 22: 478. [Book review in peer-reviewed journal].
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2003) The Assessment Checklist for Children. [Non-patented invention: Psychiatric Rating Scale].
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2002) Book review of “Drugs and Your Teenager: a practical guide for Australian parents”, by Palin, M., Beatty, S. Drug and Alcohol Review 21: 308-309. [Book review in peer-reviewed journal].
Theses / Dissertations
  • Whitcombe-Dobbs S. (2020) Through a glass darkly: the assessment of parenting capacity in the context of child protection. PhD Thesis, Christchurch. University of Canterbury.
  • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2005) The Children in Care Study: An epidemiological study of the mental health of children in foster and kinship care, and associated risk factors. Newcastle, Australia. University of Newcastle.

Editorial Work

  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry Associate Editor ( 2010 - 2012)
  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry Co-editor ( 2013 - 2017)
  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry Co-editor ( 0 - 2023)
  • Developmental Child Welfare Editor ( 2018 - 2023)

Review and Refereeing

  • Acta Paediatrica ( 2011 - 2023)
  • Acta Paediatrica, Anxiety, Stress & Coping, Australian Journal of Early Childhood, Australian Psychologist, Child: Care, Health & Development, Child Maltreatment, Children & Youth Services Review, Clinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry, Developing Practice, Health Research Policy & Systems, Infant Mental Health Journal, Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology,The Lancet, Pediatrics, Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Acta Paediatrica; Anxiety, Stress, & Coping; Journal of Early Childhood; Aust. Psychologist; Aust. Social Work; Child Abuse and Neglect; Child: Care, Health & Development; Child Development; Child Maltreatment; Child Psychiatry & Human Development; Children & Youth Services Review; Clinical Child Psychology & Psychiatry; Developing Practice; Drug and Alcohol Review; Health Research Policy & Systems; Infant Mental Health Journal; Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology; Journal of Child and Family Studies; Journal of Children’s Services; Journal of Psychotherapy Integration; The Lancet; Pediatrics; Plos One; Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Sex Education; Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Adoption and Fostering ( 2015 - 2023)
  • Adoption Quarterly ( 2017 - 2023)
  • Anxiety, Stress and Coping ( 2010 - 2023)
  • Anxiety, Stress and Coping ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Australian Journal of Early Childhood ( 2000 - 2005)
  • Australian Journal of Early Childhood ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Australian Psychologist ( 2009 - 2023)
  • Australian Psychologist ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Australian Social Work ( 2014 - 2023)
  • Australian Social Work ( 2003 - 2023)
  • British Journal of Clinical Psychology ( 2017 - 2023)
  • Child Abuse and Neglect ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Child Abuse Review ( 2021 - 2023)
  • Child and Family Social Work ( 2018 - 2023)
  • Child Development ( 2012 - 2023)
  • Child Maltreatment ( 2008 - 2023)
  • Child Psychiatry and Human Development ( 2014 - 2023)
  • Child: Care, Health and Development ( 2011 - 2023)
  • Child: Care, Health and Development ( 2011 - 2023)
  • Children and Youth Services Review ( 2005 - 2023)
  • Children and Youth Services Review ( 2000 - 2005)
  • Children Australia ( 2018 - 2023)
  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ( 2009 - 2023)
  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ( 2013 - 2017)
  • Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry ( 2010 - 2012)
  • Developing Practice ( 2012 - 2023)
  • Development and Psychopathology ( 2021 - 2023)
  • Developmental Child Welfare ( 2019 - 2023)
  • Drug and Alcohol Review ( 2000 - 2005)
  • European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: official journal of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ( 2021 - 2023)
  • Health Research Policy and Systems ( 2010 )
  • Infant Mental Health Journal ( 2011 - 2023)
  • International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience ( 2021 - 2023)
  • JAMA Pediatrics ( 2022 - 2023)
  • Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology ( 2008 - 2023)
  • Journal of Child and Family Studies ( 2015 - 2023)
  • Journal of Children's Services ( 2014 - 2023)
  • Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology ( 2016 - 2023)
  • Journal of early Childhood ( 2003 - 2023)
  • Journal of Mental Health ( 2015 - 2023)
  • Journal of Psychotherapy Integration ( 2014 - 2023)
  • Pediatrics ( 2009 - 2023)
  • Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders ( 2013 - 2023)
  • Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology ( 2008 - 2023)
  • The Lancet ( 2008 - 2023)

Affiliations

  • Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Australia (Community Organisation/NGO): Conjoint Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Newcastle, Australia
  • Children's Court Clinic (Government): Authorised Clinician, New South Wales, Australia
  • Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, Orange, Australia (Teaching/Research Organisation): Conjoint Academic affiliate, Orange, Australia
  • Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists (Professional Organisation): Member, Melbourne, Australia

Future Research

  • Longitudinal, cross-national study of the psychosocial and neurobiological effects of impermanent care
  • Mental health symptoms of clinic-referred children, stratified by child welfare background

Key Methodologies

  • Developmental psychopathology
  • Child psychiatric epidemiology
  • Constructing psychiatric rating scales
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