AN ANALYSIS OF CHILD-BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN ADOPTIONS IN DIFFICULTY

This study examines the behavior problems of children receiving servic es through an adoption preservation program for legally adopted childr en at risk of placement or dissolution. Two measures of behavior probl ems are used: a behavior problem rating scale, available on 368 childr en, and the Child Behavior Checklist, available on 201 children. Varia bles associated with severity of behavior problems include attachment problems, age at placement, experiencing multiple types of abuse and n eglect, a history of sexual abuse, and experiencing a recent loss in t he family. Children's scores on the CBC reflect the severity of behavi oral and emotional problems among these children who have lived in the ir adoptive home for a mean of 8.9 years. Ninety-one percent score in the clinical range on at least one of the three summary scores of the CBC. These findings support the need for services for children and fam ilies beyond the finalization of adoption.