Considering the children who are being placed in out-of-home care have already experienced trauma, it is important that the children not be further traumatized by the system and that we help minimize the potential trauma children can feel during removal and at initial placement which can include: Surprise, shock, chaos. Negative view of the system and foster care. Loss of control, sense of being kidnapped, powerlessness, helplessness. Betrayal, loss of trust, a sense that the world is unsafe. Confusion. Unpredictability. Fear of the unknown. Relief and safety. Lack of information. Sense of guilt or failure. Repeated interviewing. Abrupt and overwhelming change. Loss of familiar. Attachment disruption; loss of caregiver. Separated siblings worry about parents and other siblings. Conflicted loyalty. Say: Many children who come into our care have factors/experiences that can make life post-placement difficult for both the child and the people caring for them. They may lack attachments or they may have strong attachments, but in either case they will be suffering great loss. They may find it difficult to trust anyone and they may be triggered into emotional crisis easily. Ask: What can you do to help foster parents make the needed changes in their home environment to help a child transition into the home during initial placement?
Considering the children who are being placed in out-of-home care have already experienced trauma, it is important that the children not be further traumatized by the system and that we help minimize the potential trauma children can feel during removal and at initial placement which can include: Surprise, shock, chaos. Negative view of the system and foster care. Loss of control, sense of being kidnapped, powerlessness, helplessness. Betrayal, loss of trust, a sense that the world is unsafe. Confusion. Unpredictability. Fear of the unknown. Relief and safety. Lack of information. Sense of guilt or failure. Repeated interviewing. Abrupt and overwhelming change. Loss of familiar. Attachment disruption; loss of caregiver. Separated siblings worry about parents and other siblings. Conflicted loyalty. Say: Many children who come into our care have factors/experiences that can make life post-placement difficult for both the child and the people caring for them. They may lack attachments or they may have strong attachments, but in either case they will be suffering great loss. They may find it difficult to trust anyone and they may be triggered into emotional crisis easily. Ask: What can you do to help foster parents make the needed changes in their home environment to help a child transition into the home during initial placement?