Music Therapy in a Parent-Child Reunification Program

Angela Guerriero,Carol Ann Blank

doi:10.15845/voices.v18i4.2601

Angela Guerriero, Carol Ann Blank

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v18i4.2601

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Abstract

Families separated due to abuse and neglect may experience compounded stress, and neglect in childhood may have negative effects on children’s resilience and development (Jacobsen, 2017; Pasiali, 2012). Music therapy can address the needs of these families seeking reunification, however the process for implementing treatment requires the collaboration of social service agencies, funders, and service providers. This article describes two different implementations of a music therapy group within a reunification program, the clinical and contextual challenges to implementation, and the benefits to the families. (Übersetzung: Josephine Geipel )

Highlights

Children who experience parental neglect might not have received love or other positive, nurturing experiences from their parents (Jacobsen, 2017), and these children may have difficulty in coping and relating to others (Zanders, 2013)
Of the 4,742 children exiting out-of-home care in 2014 in New Jersey, 56% were reunited with their parents or primary caretakers (U.S Department of Health, 2015b)
Families participating in the music therapy groups had children 6 years of age and under and were in different phases of reunification, reunification was the goal for all families in the Reunity House program

Summary

Introduction

Children who experience parental neglect might not have received love or other positive, nurturing experiences from their parents (Jacobsen, 2017), and these children may have difficulty in coping and relating to others (Zanders, 2013). The music therapy program implemented at Reunity House afforded parents Staff who implemented the program components, supervised the families, and prepared court reports participated in the music therapy groups.

Results

Conclusion