General

Children who are placed in a foster family often have experienced a number of adverse life events previous to placement. This may lead to adjustment problems, increased levels of stress and behavioral problems. Foster parents may not be aware of these problems in the ‘honeymoon’ period after placement. The foster child seems to do well. After some weeks or months, problems appear and the relationship between foster parent and foster child is at risk. Placement breakdown may be a consequence.

Researchers:

• Hans van Andel
• Hans Grietens
• Erik Knorth
• Wendy Post
• Rutger van der Gaag (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen)
• Lucres Nauta (VU Amsterdam)