[HappyMomAnna]

The December 2003/January 2004 issue of Family Matters has an awesome article "Parenting to Promote Attachment" Written by Claudia Hutchenson the Director of The Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC).

It can be found at the following link: **(PDF-FORMAT)
Go to this website and click on DECEBMER 2003 Issue of Family Matters.

http://www.boysandgirlsaid.org/looki...ilymatters.asp


The whole article is GREAT and filled with wonderful info and well worth the read!

But the part I found to be very interesting is on Page 7, the last paragraph:

A Word About Diagnosis and Therapy

"Mental health and child welfare specialists on both state and national levels are raising concern over the misdiagnosis and over diagnosis of 'RAD' (Reactive Attachment Disorder), as well as over inappropriate and dangerous treatments. Last May, The American Psychological Association (May 2002) recomended that an accurate diagnosis of 'RAD' include a comprehensive psychiaric assesment to distinguish 'RAD' from other developmental diaorders.

Several states, including Oregon, have a policy to protect children from therapy that uses physical interventions or restraints, due to the lack of conclusive, research-based data on the effectiveness of these types of treatments, and concern over several child deaths resulting from non-traditional treatment. Niether the Oregon Health Plan nor the Adoption Assistance Program will provide coverage for any such treatment.

Look for a therapist who knows adoption issues, one who does not 'pathologize' adoption or your child, but instead understands and knows how to address the child's normal grief reactions to moves, losses, and traumas."

~~~~~~~~~~my read on this is that HOLDING therapy is not an accepted practice In Oregon--it is only a policy right now--however if you intend to use holding methods be very careful, there are laws in Oregon that 'restraints' cannot be used.....There are some classes offered through DHS on the use of physical holding however these classes are only for the purpose of providing safety--not to create bonding. The methods touted of 'Holding" to help in attachment appear to be aggainst the policies of our State. You will not have medical coverage and adoption subsidies will not cover HOLDING therapy.

Personally, for anyone considering this method I would be very careful.....


__________________
A very Happy Forever Mom, Anna
____________________________
Advocating the Adoption of a WAITING child.
There are many who will fall alseep
tonight wondering if their Forever Parents have been found yet?

[dadfor2]

thanks happymom,

here in boston, AFT (adoption families together) are trying to educate on restaints and things like that.

they have done reports stating that children who are not restrained in RTC's do much better then kids that are.

they are trying to get rid of all restraints and holdings in our state also.

dadfor2

[pedpets]

Thanks for sharing that article!

I hope it helps parents realize that sometimes you can hurt more than help a child. And that they should check into every possible alternative before making any decisions. RAD can be very devastating for families (as well as the child) and sometimes parents take drastic measures (out of desperation) by not looking at all sides.

Again, thanks for sharing!