Discusses ways foster parents encounter loss and grief in their foster care experiences. Considers factors that affect the intensity of the loss and the healthy expression and resolution of the foster parents' grief; problems that can result when grief is not properly addressed; and ways professionals can help these caregivers with grief issues.…

This study examined factors in fathers' physical abuse of their children among lower income groups. Physically abusive fathers were found to have received fewer emotional and instrumental supports from their friends, in-laws, and other kin than comparison fathers, and were only weakly linked to members of their social networks who might have…

This article describes the results of two focus groups of immigrant parents who recently experienced child protective investigations in New York City. The purpose of this study was: (1) to hear immigrant parents describe their experiences with child welfare services, (2) to identify barriers to services these parents encountered, and (3) advocate…

Timing and circumstances are critical factors in deciding when and whether to tell an abused foster child why he was taken from his own parents. This case study presents realistically the problems facing the professionals involved. (SDH)

For the older child moving into adoptive placement, a careful and knowledgeable preparation of both child and adoptive family is essential for success. (Author/SE)

Describes a short-term group experience focused on the specific vulnerability of adoptive families during adoptee adolescence. Eight adoptive families met for several group sessions with a therapist--parents in one group, adolescent children in another. Problems discussed included attitudes towards biological parents and children's reluctance to…

Toronto's Sexual Abuse Treatment Project (SATP) is described. Results of the evaluation of the first 18 months of the program are reported. The role of a specialized sexual abuse therapy program within a child welfare setting is discussed. (Author/BN)

Analyzes data concerning the relationships between the success of reunion with biological parents: (1) adult adoptees' age at the initiation of their search; (2) grief resolution; and (3) attribution of blame for the relinquishment to the biological mother. (BB)

Examined placement prevention programs intended to help troubled families stay together. Contrasted programs which terminated with continuance of family care with programs that ended in placement of children. Found that in the placed cases, problems were worse and more numerous, and family attitudes toward therapists and agencies were less…

Describes an intervention program to help abused children learn to inhibit aggressive behavior and increase cooperative behavior. Sixteen physically abused children participated in the program. Behavior ratings were made during the program and in-home follow-ups. Following initial increases in aggressive behaviors, significant increases in…

A psychological consequence for children physically abused in their own homes is a pattern of behavior that perpetuates their role of scapegoat with peers and adults outside their homes. (JH)

A high frequency of unmet medical needs and a breakdown in family structure among low-income preschool children were discovered among ten youngsters enrolled in a demonstration day care project. This paper reports on how a child care center attempted to meet the developmental needs of such children. (Editor)

Physiological changes reflecting psychological or emotional stress may be evidenced particularly strongly during the first 2 or 3 years of a child's life if the normal dialogue" with the mother does not take place. (Editor)

Rebuilding the capacity to form meaningful human relationships is often the essential task in the treatment of disturbed foster children. (Editor)