Multidimensional treatment foster care as a preventive intervention to promote resiliency among youth in the child welfare system

J Pers. 2009 Dec;77(6):1869-902. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00603.x. Epub 2009 Oct 6.

Abstract

Demographic trends indicate that a growing segment of families is exposed to adversity such as poverty, drug use problems, caregiver transitions, and domestic violence. Although these risk processes and the accompanying poor outcomes for children have been well studied, little is known about why some children develop resilience in the face of such adversity, particularly when it is severe enough to invoke child welfare involvement. This paper describes a program of research involving families in the child welfare system. Using a resiliency framework, evidence from 4 randomized clinical trials that included components of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care program is presented. Future directions and next steps are proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Caregivers / organization & administration
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / psychology*
  • Child Welfare / statistics & numerical data*
  • Community Networks / organization & administration
  • Female
  • Foster Home Care / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Preventive Health Services / methods*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Social Environment
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors