The plight of disruptive children in out-of-home care

Abstract

Previous South Australian research by Barber, Delfabbro, and Cooper (in press) has shown that most children in foster care achieve modest improvements in psychosocial well-being within a few months of being care. The aim of the present study was to consider outcomes for children objectively identified as problematic (n = 40), as indicated by an early placement breakdown due to behavioral problems. Comparisons between these children and the rest of the sample showed that disruptive children have greater mental and behavioral problems at intake, but a similar placement history. Further comparisons of placement movements and psychosocial adjustment scores at intake and 12-month follow-up showed that the prognosis for these initially unstable children is generally poor. A substantial proportion ended up in residential care, and most of those who remained in foster care continued to have significant behavioral problems. It is suggested that placement options, other than conventional family- based care are needed for these children.