| The goal of this demonstration project is to create and present an alternate program to the current foster care system in Massachusetts for children ages 6--17. This will initially be a pilot study and will involve the use of families who voluntarily participate in this program. This project creates a program that calls for the removal of the parental figure from the home when abuse and/or neglect are found in the home. When the parent is removed, social workers reside with the children in the home. During this period of separation both children and parents receive intensive therapy and education. After a brief introduction, there is an extensive literature review summarizing the current foster care system and information relevant to the alternate proposal. Next, the study's methods are outlined. Then, the alternate program is described in detail. Following this, a series of five one-on-one interviews are conducted with a social worker, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a pediatrician, and a lawyer. These interviews provide feedback regarding the proposed alternative program and are analyzed for major and minor themes, as well as unique responses. The responses are then discussed and integrated into the proposed program. |
