CHILD-PARENTAL ADAPTATION IN FOSTER FAMILIES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of childparental
adaptation in foster families, which is described
through the childs position. The author compares the way the
Family phenomenon is understood by children from three
groups: children, who live in the orphanage; children, living
in blood foster family and children, having a new foster family.
The theoretical analysis enables to single out the criterion
of the childs adaptation to the new family. While making the
content analysis and comparative analysis the author comes
to the conclusion that the children, adapted to their foster family,
have clear and positive understanding of mother and father
image; they also positively characterize themselves as
family members, understand their role and functions in their
foster family, associate their future with their foster family, understand
the value of harmonic child-parental relationships;
they are aware of the significance of mutual support and acceptance.
The author formulates the recommendations for
psychological support service specialists on the parents and
childs preparation for living together.