Struggles In Foster Care

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The Struggles of Infant and Young Children in Foster Care: An Attachment and Systems Theory Framework Approach The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that in 2013 approximately 402,378 children ages 0 to 20 years old were in foster care. Of these children an estimated 40 % (157, 537) were between the ages of 0 to 5 years old (U.S. Department of Human Health Services 2014). During this early period of a child’s life, major developmental processes take place, thus it is vital that they grow in a stabilized environment in which these developments can occur in a natural way. This is where infants and young children in foster care, unfortunately, have the lower-hand as their environment is not often stable enough for them to …show more content…
During this stage it is crucial that the child be given the opportunity to explore their own skills and thus allowing them to develop a sense of autonomy. Children between 18 months to 3 years of age start to attempt to explore the world on their own. In this stage a child should be given the opportunity to figure out their own skills thus allowing them to develop a sense of autonomy. If too much is demanded from the child too early they can develop a sense of shame in not being able to complete a task. This sense of shame follows them and eventually evolves to a lack of self-esteem. A great example of this second stage is when a child is learning to use the toilet. If a caregiver allows the child to explore doing it on their own and is there to guide the child if needed, they will soon learn how to use the toilet independently. However, if a caregiver forces a child to toilet train to early, it causes the child distress and shame in not being able to do the task properly. If a child is successful in developing autonomy they will also gain the basic virtue of will, which is important in the way they take on tasks in the future (McLeod 2008, …show more content…
This stage occurs between the ages of 3 to 6 years old and builds off the autonomy the child has previously discovered. Due to this autonomy the child is able to take initiative in starting and completing simple tasks such as dressing themselves, which is done primarily for the sake of doing the task and being active. If and when a child takes initiative the caregiver must be patient, understanding, and allow them to complete the task even if it is done incorrectly. Whenever a child that has autonomy is not supported by their caregiver in their initiating tasks they can develop guilt in doing things incorrectly. A child who developed shame previously is not very likely to attempt to take initiative and when they do they often find a new sense of guilt when they are not able to start or complete a task. Caregivers can often add to this sense of guilt by punishing the child for their failure in doing the task. The child who develops initiative also develops courage, independence, and the basic virtue of purpose all characteristics which all the child to later navigate the world effectively (McLeod 2008,
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