Out-of-home child placement and family adaptation: a theoretical framework

McCubbin and Patterson's (1983) model of family adjustment and adaptation to stress was summarized and applied to families' decisions for in-home versus out-of-home placement of children with severe mental retardation. Basically, three factors (demands on the family, the family resources, and the family's perspective on the situation) were viewed as interacting in three phases (adjustment, restructuring, and consolidation) to produce an outcome, measured on a bonadaptive to maladaptive continuum. Research on differences between families who seek residential placement and those who do not was summarized and organized within this framework. Out of this theoretical foundation implications for future research and intervention were developed. Recommendations include basing future research more directly on theory, utilizing multivariate techniques in research, and developing multifaceted early intervention programs that emphasize family values as well as family needs.