Analyse quantitative et qualitative du devenir d’adultes placés lors de leur enfance puis admis en accueil familial thérapeutique

Abstract

ObjectiveThis mixed research estimates the adult outcome of children who had been separated from their families and thereafter cared for in 4 French Therapeutic Foster Care Units (TFCU), parts of public child psychiatry services. MethodsThirty-three participants were included. They were 29 years old (±3.25) and had been separated from their parents at 22 months (±13.25), admitted to the TFCU at 30 months (±17.25) for 13 years (±2.10). Quantitative evaluation uses the following tools: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Functional and Socio-affective Impact, CaMir (attachment) and Edicode (narrativity). The qualitative part uses rounded Theory (TA). ResultsIn our population, the data obtained from the analysis of narrativity, attachment representations (58% with secure attachment) and social and socio-emotional impact (but not sexual functioning) are comparable to the results in the general population, unlike what is usually found in researches on the outcome of children placed in traditional (i.e. social), foster care. In addition, among the participants, those who were separated from their families before 25 months of age and thereafter cared for in TFCU before 33 months all show secure attachment and a better overall future than others of our population. The analysis according to the TA underlines the importance of planning interview a few years after the end of the placement. Conclusion, perspectiveGrown up children formerly placed and cared for in TFCU have a life course similar to that of adults in the general population. An interview planned a few years after discharge would allow all young adults who have been in care for many years to describe the evolution of their lives and, if necessary, to express their past and current difficulties. It is also important to continue the evaluation of childcare facilities and to slow down the decline of TFCU's places these last 15 years in France.