Adopting children with attachment problems

This article describes children with significant attachment problems and su mmarizes the actions needed to increase the probability that such children can be successfully adopted. Healthy and disordered attachment patterns are detailed, as well as the principles and strategies that are important in p arenting such children and the parenting characteristics that should be sou ght in selecting families for children with attachment disorder. Psychologi cal treatment and other postadoption services necessary to support the adop tion and the child's ability to successfully form a secure attachment with the adoptive parents are also highlighted.