Adoptive Families' Views about Effective Services Prior to Residential Treatment Center Placement. Issue 3 (3rd August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaBrenz, Catherine A.; Fong, Rowena; Brown, Kim; Findley, Erin
• Is Part Of: Adoption quarterly. Volume 23:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2020-08-03
• Subjects: Residential treatment center -- post-adoption services -- adoptive families -- Families First Prevention Services Act; Adoption -- Periodicals; 362.734
• DOI: 10.1080/10926755.2020.1790453
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-6755

Abstract

Abstract: Children who have been adopted are more likely to have mental health diagnoses than non-adopted peers and may be overrepresented in residential treatment centers (RTCs). Yet, few studies have examined adoptive parents' experiences with RTCs. We administered a survey to N = 113 adoptive parents who had at least one child in RTC. Many families utilized services such as family therapy, but fewer used adoption-competent therapists or trauma-informed care. Themes emerged related to finding support, connecting with providers, training in a trauma-informed approach, listening to parents, and shifting toward prevention. Implications are discussed to better support adoptive families.