NCJ Number
148650
Date Published
1994
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This manual is designed for child welfare staff and provides the foundation for serving abused and neglected children who are in family foster care and adoption. The information is also targeted toward professionals involved in child protection as well as foster and adoptive parents.
Abstract
The introductory chapter discusses issues related to substitute care and permanency planning. The following chapter outlines the special needs of children in substitute care, children who have been sexually abused and neglected, and children who have been exposed to prenatal substance abuse. The manual discusses the importance of professional cooperation in systems, networks, and teams established to help children and their families. Steps involved in helping abused and neglected children include assessing their development, attachment, coping mechanisms, situational needs and responses, and personal style; providing a safe environment; helping children with feelings of loss and issues of identity; coping with regressive behavior; and helping sexually abused children. Foster parents are best supported through preservice and inservice training, social contact and support, and affiliation with foster parent associations. 46 notes, 33 references, and 1 appendix