How to Prevent Behavioral Problems in Foster Homes
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), over 500,000 American children are part of the foster care system. Common behavioral issues within foster homes include temper tantrums, anxiety, rebellion, violence and drug use.
Children in the foster care system may be maladjusted due to home instability, abuse, neglect or pre-existing medical conditions. Because of the medical aspect, some behavioral problems may not be preventable. When behavioral conditions are diagnosed, medication, therapy or a combination of the two may be prescribed to minimize behavioral problems within the foster home.
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Things You'll Need
- Complete documentation on the foster child's placement history
- Child's medical and psychiatric records
- List of non-negotiable rules and consequences
Instructions
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Educate yourself on your foster child's placement history, obtained from the organization facilitating foster placement in your state. Also obtain the child's medical and psychiatric records, which are generally available through the organization facilitating foster placement in your state.
According to the University of Iowa, both the causes of original placement and re-placement within the foster care system have dramatic effects on children.
A child originally placed in foster care due to parental alcoholism will behave differently than a child placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect. Additionally, children who are moved from multiple foster home environments may have different behavioral problems than those in their first foster home.
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Speak with your foster child shortly after his arrival in your home and present him with a list of non-negotiable rules and the consequences for breaking the rules. Outline consequences for rule violation in a kind and gentle manner, remembering that he may be coming from an environment with vastly different rules and may need time to adjust. Clearly state that rules are not negotiable and ask his opinion on whether each rule presented is fair.
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Stop maladaptive behavior immediately when you discover your foster child breaking rules or engaging in maladaptive behavior. Determine whether your foster child understands her behavior is against the rules. If your foster child understands her behavior is inappropriate, enact the consequences you previously established.
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Bring your foster child to a qualified counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist if she expresses a desire to speak with someone other than you about her personal issues. Additionally, utilize a professional if you feel you are unable to handle or understand her behavioral problems. The National Institute of Health recommends intervention in both these situations.
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Tips & Warnings
Firmly adhere to the consequences you have set for rule-breaking to demonstrate consistency to your foster child.
Display a list of rules in a prominent location and give a copy to your foster child. You may choose to have him sign an acknowledgement of the rules to encourage personal accountability.
The AACAP advises against corporal punishment in any situation.
Never punish your foster child out of anger; instead, calm yourself before approaching consequences for maladaptive behavior.
Some behavioral problems may be genetically based, such as those related to fetal alcohol syndrome and naturally-occurring psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia that will require outside intervention.
References
Resources
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