Adoption and Fostering, 25(4), Winter 2001, pp.27-38.
Publisher:
Sage
Two recent studies by Glasgow researchers have highlighted the high level of emotional and behaviourial difficulties experienced by looked after children. One was a survey of children entering the care system (Dimigen et al, 1999) while the other was a randomised controlled trial of a training programme for foster carers. The survey was carried out in Glasgow, while the trial was carried out across another part of the Central Belt of Scotland. Despite their different designs and geographical areas, the two studies came up with complementary results. The results are synthesised in this article and are used to argue that practitioners need to take a fresh look at mental health services for looked after children and the assessments which should determine what these children need.
Two recent studies by Glasgow researchers have highlighted the high level of emotional and behaviourial difficulties experienced by looked after children. One was a survey of children entering the care system (Dimigen et al, 1999) while the other was a randomised controlled trial of a training programme for foster carers. The survey was carried out in Glasgow, while the trial was carried out across another part of the Central Belt of Scotland. Despite their different designs and geographical areas, the two studies came up with complementary results. The results are synthesised in this article and are used to argue that practitioners need to take a fresh look at mental health services for looked after children and the assessments which should determine what these children need.
Subject terms:
looked after children, mental health problems, mental health services, needs, randomised controlled trials, residential care, self-esteem, social care provision, surveys, young people, assessment, attachment, children, conduct disorders, depression, emotions, foster care;