Attachment Style, Home-Leaving Age and Behavioral Problems Among Residential Care Children

Abstract

In a prospective study, the attachment style, home-leaving age, length of time in residential care, and behavioral problems among Israeli residential care children (N = 68), were studied. Data analyses showed that children removed from their homes at a later age suffered from higher levels of anxiety, depression and social problems compared to children taken from their homes at the age of 7 or less. It was also found that a prolonged stay (over 2 years) in residential care was related to higher levels of anxiety and depression. An interaction effect of a child's attachment style and home-leaving age was found in the child's level of aggressive behavior.

Factors associated with outcomes for looked-after children and young people: a correlates review of the literature

“…1994; Webster et al . 2000; James 2004; Stovall‐McClough & Dozier 2004; Wilson 2004; Oosterman 2007; Shechory & Sommerfeld 2007). The heading, ‘additional services’, suggests an enhancement to normal service provision, and the heading, ‘quality of placement’, refers to interventions that aim to improve the quality of care.…”

“…Some European studies have been included in the review, from the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Norway, and non‐European countries, Israel and Australia, which are known to have different policies and practices compared with the UK. It is not clear from the studies in this review how much these policies and practices differ, although one study states that Israel is different from other countries in that institutional placement is the most common solution for abused and neglected children (Shechory & Sommerfeld 2007). The issue of generalizability will need to be fully addressed if evidence from the international literature is used in the development of guidance for LACYP in the UK.…”

Therapeutic Alliance With Youth in Residential Care: Challenges and Recommendations

“…Residential care is a unique and potentially stressful environment. Long-term care away from the youth's family can be difficult (Shechory & Sommerfeld, 2007) and may result in homesickness. Even if that home was neglectful or abusive, it was still home for that youth.…”

Therapeutic crisis intervention system in residential care for children and youth: Staff knowledge, attitudes, and coping styles

“…accompanied by displays of anger, frustration, and aggression (Dvir, Weiner & Kupermintz, 2012;Shechory & Sommerfeld, 2007). One way of coping with the children's aggressive demonstrations is by using physical restraint.…”

“…In 2014, the welfare authorities placed 8,319 children in facilities for children at risk by due to various problems (National Council for the Child, 2014). Most of those referred to residential care were victims of parental neglect and various types of abuse (mental, physical, as well as sexual) (Dvir, Weiner & Kupermintz, 2012;Shechory, 2005;Shechory & Sommerfeld, 2007). Placement in residential facilities is a solution and provides children with a protected environment and a chance of receiving nurturing, education, and rehabilitation (Aviad-Wilchek, 2005;Rutter, 2000;Schiff & Benbenishty, 2006).…”