title: Clinical competencies for the effective treatment of foster children.
abstract: Despite a high level of documented mental health needs among children who have experienced foster care, research indicates that treatment outcomes are often disappointing. In order to improve outcomes, evidence-based treatments for attachment, trauma and behavioral difficulties are often promoted for this population. However, little research exists on whether or not those interventions effectively address the unique and complex mental health needs of many foster children. While a rather robust literature exists on foster children's multifaceted difficulties, most treatments do not fully represent that range and complexity in their interventions. This article attempts to begin to fill that gap by outlining the knowledge and skills clinicians must acquire if they are to effectively treat foster children. Treatment of foster children should be seen as a subspecialty within the field of child mental health, and trainings that help clinicians gain more knowledge of foster children's unique needs should be more available.
authors.affiliation: A Home Within, USA Smith College School for Social Work, USA ekaren@me.com.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zilberstein
authors.affiliation: A Home Within, USA Treehouse Foundation, USA.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Popper
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D002669:Child Welfare; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005581:Foster Home Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health
keywords: Foster children; advocacy; comprehensive evaluation; evidence-based treatment; mental health