Clinical work with people affected by public care or adoption

Abstract

Most individuals who have lived in foster homes, residential care or adoptive families for substantial periods (‘people affected by public care or adoption’) show normal psychological adjustment as adults, although rates of mental disorders, hospital admission and suicide are increased. Research focusing on the experiences of this group of people can help professionals better understand their behaviour and attitude towards help. Psychiatric symptoms can be multifaceted, including complex trauma presentations. The specific mental health needs of this population are increasingly being recognised in child and adolescent mental health services but less so in adult services. In this article we describe life experiences of people affected by public care or adoption, examine the lifelong impact of these experiences on mental health and functioning, and offer practical suggestions for clinical work with them.