"EFFECT OF FOSTER CARE ON THE BEHAVIOUR & DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN"

* S.P. Goel ** Mukesh Verma
Department of Paediatrics & Neonatology,
LLRM Medical College, Meerut.
ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives : In developing countries, caring for the large number of children in orphanages is a challenging task. Studies have repeatedly shown that children in such institutionalized settings suffer from severe behaviour and developmental deviations. The aim of this study was to assess the quantum of behaviour and developmental problems in children living in orphanages/Foster care institutions in our setting.
Design : Comparative cross-sectional.
Setting : Tertiary care hospital & orphanages/Foster care institutions.
Subjects & Method : A total number of 52 children aged 6 months to 6 years living in two orphanages/Foster care institutions were studied for their behaviour and developmental problems and were compared with their age and sex matched normal children attending immunization clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Pre-school Behaviour Check List (PBCL) devised by McGurie & Richman was used for assessing behaviour problems and development was assessed by using DENVER-II in four parameters i.e. – gross motor, fine motor & adaptive personal social & language.
Results : Nearly half (44.2%) children living in orphanages had behaviour problems compared to only 25% control group children. Prevalence of behaviour problems were higher in males and in older children. In orphanages 71% children had atleast one area of developmental delay compared to 34.6% in control group. Global developmental delay was seen in 30.7% children of orphanages as compared to 13.4% in the normal environment. Most common developmental delay seen in children under Foster care was in the area of language development (69.2%). Sustained language defects were most common finding.
Conclusion : Foster care institution in our setting lack proper infrastructure, administration and guidelines. It thus becomes necessary to evaluate whether these institutions are part of the problem or part of the solution. Interventional strategies should be planned with an aim to give these children beyond the survival basics of shelter, Food & clothing.
Key words : Foster care, Orphanages, behavioural problem, developmental delay.
* Asso. Professor (Deptt. of Paediatrics), ** J.R. (Paediat