Perceptions of family relationships by institutionalized and noninstitutionalized dependent children

This paper reports research findings obtained regarding family relationships for three groups of adolescents: institutionalized, dependent children; noninstitutionalized, dependent children who are candidates for placement in institutions; and children living with their parents. It also describes a relatively novel, nonverbal, research instrument, the Family Relations Test, used to obtain the data. The conclusion is drawn that one of the major tasks of child care institutions is to restore children's self-esteem and confidence--yet it is far from certain as to whether these settings are capable of accomplishing this important task.