Adoptive Families’ Views about Effective Services Prior to Residential Treatment Center Placement

Children who have been adopted are more likely to have mental health diagnoses than non-adopted peers and may be overrepresented in residential treatment centers (RTCs). Yet, few studies have examined adoptive parents’ experiences with RTCs. We administered a survey to N = 113 adoptive parents who had at least one child in RTC. Many families utilized services such as family therapy, but fewer used adoption-competent therapists or trauma-informed care. Themes emerged related to finding support, connecting with providers, training in a trauma-informed approach, listening to parents, and shifting toward prevention. Implications are discussed to better support adoptive families.