Why am I in care? A model for communicating with children about entry to care that promotes psychological safety and adjustment

Abstract

When children are removed from their parents’ care, the adults often become involved in processes that are highly attentive to the past and future care of the child. While the present physical and educational needs are attended to in the new placement, there are often dilemmas about how to help the child adjust psychologically to their new situation. In particular, children often struggle with why they have been admitted to care and what the future holds for them. The authors discuss the challenges of communicating with children about these issues and then outline the model they have found to be helpful.