Children in the Child Welfare system have already experienced parental separation and loss. Child Welfare Professionals have recognized the harm caused by interruption of the parent-child relationship. While working to provide permanency for the child, the Child Welfare Professional must continually be aware of the magnitude of the changes the child experiences when he is placed and how these changes can contribute to the trauma experienced by the child. It is possible to lessen some of the trauma that accompanies moves into an adoptive home. The Child Welfare Professional has an important role in preparing the child and the people involved with the child before the child is adopted. The extent to which the child and family are prepared for adoption has a significant impact on easing the transition. Using available resources and strategies based on the child’s developmental levels have been found to be successful in alleviating the child’s anxieties and minimizing the stress associated with change.
Posted by Gary Holden at February 28, 2008 5:58 AM