Emphasizing Caregiver Strengths to Avoid Out-of-Home Placement of Children with Severe Emotional and Behavioral Disturbances

Abstract

Historically, children with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances (SED) have been removed from their homes and cared for in institutions. Often, caregivers of these children have been blamed for their child's condition and excluded from the treatment process. A strengths-based approach to practice recognizes the benefits caregivers may bring to their child's treatment. Based on a study of 258 children with SED and their caregivers, this article argues for a strengths-based approach to treating children with SED, and suggests that emphasizing caregiver strengths may help avoid the need for institutionalizing some children. The findings reported here suggest that (a) caregiver coping characterized by family integration and cooperation, self-esteem, and understanding the child's condition and treatment needs, and (b) caregiver perception that the child contributes to the caregiver's personal growth, are associated with the child avoiding out-of-home placement. Implications of the study are discussed.

Key Words:

• Caregiver strengths
• strengths-based practice
• children's mental health
• out-of-home placement