| Abstract: | Children entering the state's legal custody are a high‐risk group. They have experienced, not only maltreatment of some form and usually separation from attachment figures, but often have also witnessed domestic violence, been exposed prenatally to alcohol and/or drugs, or been in attachment relationships with substance‐abusing and/or mentally ill parents. This paper presents data on the developmental and mental health status of these children, including diagnoses using the Diagnostic Classification: 0–3. Over half the children received referrals for additiional needed developmental or mental health services. The importance of assessing these children early in their time in foster care is emphasized. |
