Abstract
The present study has investigated the prognosis of infants admitted to institutional care. The follow-up was made after five and ten years. Three groups of children were studied: those who were in adoptive homes. foster homes and biological homes, respectively, at the time of the investigation. Approximately 50% of the total population was treated in hospital after the neonatal period. More children in foster and biological homes were hospitalized because of trauma. At 4 years of age the psychomotor development was considered normal in 77% of the adopted children compared to approximately 55% in the other two groups. Furthermore, the children in foster and biological homes demonstrated a higher rate of psychological or behavioral disturbances. The children who were in foster homes had experienced more separations and 39% of them had been subjected to 6 or more placements. The experiences of institutional care per se in infancy do not predispose the child to health and behavioral problems. The determining factor for optimal development seems to be permanency of care and parenting capability.
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