Children Who Have Been “In Care” ‐an Epidemiological Study

SUMMARY An epidemiological study of psychiatric disorder among 10 to 11‐year‐old children in two communities showed a strong association in boys between antisocial disorder and a history of a short period in foster‐care or in a Children's Home. This association was much less evident in girls. At the time of study, years after the period “in care”, most of the children were living in large families characterised by parental discord. It is suggested that it is this long‐term family disturbance which leads to the antisocial disorder rather than the short‐period of care per se. The reason for the sex difference in susceptibility to family discord requires further study. The findings also suggest the need for preventive treatment for families seeking short‐term placement “in care”.