Study 2 : the psychological, behavioural and academic profile of children in out-of-home care in Malta

Abstract

In this study, a picture of the psychological, behavioural, and academic functioning of children living in care was provided and those factors which impact upon their current psychosocial adjustment were highlighted. A survey was conducted among all children living in residential or foster care between the ages of 5 and 18 years, and with a response rate of 92.8%, data for 270 children was collected. Children’s carers filled in the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Carers and teachers filled in the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years also completed the SDQ self-report version. Demographic data was also collected from the children’s files within the Looked-After Children Service. Results show that a greater degree of difficulties and mental health problems are present among children in out-of-home care when compared to their peers. Several adverse pre-care experiences, a greater number of transitions during care, being male, having a low degree of participation in extra- curricular activities, a lack of interpersonal competence and difficulties with peer relations were among the key aspects that predicted a lower level of psychosocial adjustment. Children in foster care fared better than those in residential care in terms of their overall psychosocial functioning, even when comparing children with similar pre-care backgrounds. Whereas there is a significant association between formal diagnosis and the use of mental health services, not all children who scored in the clinical range on the CBCL make use of such services. Children who do not have a formal diagnosis also attend these services.