This issue of the Journal of Family Social Work considers the special needs of children who are currently living with foster families, as well as those with special needs who are in transition to independent living. Offering targeted services to youth in need is a central theme of the four articles in this issue.
This issue continues the special section on “Reflections” with an interview with Jill Savege Scharff. In this conversation Dr. Scharff speaks about her efforts to bring the Object Relations family treatment perspective to the United States, and throughout the world through publications, workshops and technology-assisted training programs. Dr. Scharff’s energy and commitment to therapy and education are truly inspirational.
The needs of children in foster care are explored from a different perspective in “Addressing childhood obesity among children in care: The missing link to promoting physical well-being outcomes.” In this article, authors Kellie O’Dare Wilson and Diane L. Scott note the disproportionate rates of obesity among children in foster care. The authors review social cognitive/social learning theory that has demonstrated to be helpful to this population, and stress the obligation for foster parents to deliver evidence based obesity mitigation strategies.
The needs of foster children are also considered by authors Saralyn C. Ruff, Rosana M. Aguilar and June M. Clausen, who present research on a long-term attachment-based approach for very young children who have been removed from their parents for suspected abuse and/or neglect. In “An exploratory study of mental health interventions with infants and young children in foster care,” the authors report on the psychotherapeutic approach provided by A Home Within, a model based on long-term pro bono treatment.
In “Kinship care: Child safety or an easy option?” authors Carol Irizarry, Keith Miller and Margaret Bowden consider the special needs of children in Australia who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. Using a phenomenological approach, the authors explore the perspectives of the professional staff as well as the foster families (carers) involved with the children. Although this is a specific population, the themes of cultural identity are relevant to foster placement of children throughout the world.
In “A qualitative study of stress and coping when transitioning to adulthood with autism spectrum disorder,” authors Jennifer First, Nancy C. Cheak-Zamora and Michelle Teti present research with focus groups of the adolescents as well as focus groups with their caregivers. The parents and relatives of these youth provide insight into the challenges that these youth face as they transition toward independent living, and the kinds of resources that are needed for the youth and the families that support them.
Collectively, the contributions in this issue demonstrate the inter-connectivity of relationships among children, families and the therapists who work with them. Although immersed in different treatment approaches, it is easy to see the care and commitment to children’s well-being in each contribution.