| The estimated 513,000 children presently living in foster care in the United States are at particularly increased risk for mental health problems as a result of neglect and physical, emotional and sexual abuse endured in their dysfunctional family settings. They experienced traumatic separation from their homes, families and friends and ongoing disruptions to their daily lives. However, only twenty percent of foster children in need of mental health services actually receive them. In response to this deficit in services, this treatment manual was created to provide clinicians, specifically within the Foster Care Counseling Project (FCCP) at Rutgers University, with a tool that helps them provide group therapy for adolescent females in foster care. This manual is intended to give clinicians basic theoretical knowledge about group psychotherapy, adolescence, and the foster care population, as well as provide a sense of structure and practical guidance on the process of facilitating a group of this nature. It is a resource that outlines logistics that need to be anticipated prior to the first group session; supplies handouts and important forms; describes the different stages of group development and potential challenges that may arise; and recommends activities created to meet the therapeutic needs of the foster care population as well as the developmental needs of adolescents in general. Although this manual was based on a therapy group for adolescent females within the FCCP, most principles and activities can be applied beyond this particular population and agency. |
