Foster Children's Report of Psychological Maltreatment Experiences

Abstract

112 foster care youth were interviewed as part of mandated mental health screenings about 19 types of psychological maltreatment (PM) by birth and foster parents. 77.7% reported at least one form of PM by a parent and 24.3% by a foster parent. The average number of types endorsed was approximately 4 for parents and approximately 1 for foster parents. Data indicate that PM is fairly common among these children who may be underreporting the extent of their experiences. Data also indicate that what they report having experienced is negatively affecting them. Implications for prevention, intervention, and treatment are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• child maltreatment
• foster care
• child welfare

Notes

^aSkewness > 1.0.

^bKurtosis > 1.0.

^† p < .10

*p < .05

**p < .01

***p < .001.