The Role of Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment in Foster Care

Abstract

Children in foster care often face a range of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges due to their history of trauma, neglect, or abuse. Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) has emerged as an essential intervention to address these challenges and promote the well-being and resilience of foster children. This article reviews the principles of CPST and its benefits for foster children, highlighting the importance of community-based care, comprehensive support, and collaborative approaches.

Introduction

Foster children are at an increased risk of experiencing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges due to their history of adverse experiences (Mennen et al., 2010). Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) is a community-based intervention designed to address these challenges and promote the well-being of foster children by providing comprehensive mental health support within the context of their everyday lives (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016). This article explores the principles of CPST, its benefits for foster children, and the importance of community-based care, comprehensive support, and collaborative approaches.

Principles of CPST

Community-Based Care: CPST emphasizes the provision of mental health services in natural settings, such as the child's home, school, or community, to promote accessibility and minimize disruptions to the child's daily life (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Comprehensive Support: CPST involves a range of interventions tailored to the specific needs of each child, including individual therapy, family therapy, skills training, and crisis intervention (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Collaborative Approaches: CPST employs a collaborative approach, involving mental health clinicians, social workers, educators, and other professionals, to provide coordinated care for the child (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Benefits of CPST for Foster Children

Improved Emotional Regulation: CPST interventions can help foster children develop strategies for managing their emotions and coping with stress, resulting in better emotional regulation and overall mental health (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Enhanced Social Skills: Through CPST, foster children can develop and improve their social skills, enabling them to form healthy relationships and navigate social situations more effectively (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Reduced Behavioral Challenges: CPST interventions can address and reduce behavioral challenges in foster children, promoting better functioning in various settings, such as home, school, and community (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Increased Resilience: By teaching foster children new coping strategies and fostering a sense of self-efficacy, CPST can help build resilience and empower these children to overcome adversity (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2016).

Conclusion

Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of foster children by addressing their unique emotional and behavioral challenges. By emphasizing community-based care, comprehensive support, and collaborative approaches, CPST can promote improved emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience among these vulnerable individuals. As a society, we must prioritize the provision of CPST for foster children to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive in the face of adversity.

References

Mennen, Ferol E., et al. "Child Neglect: Definition and Identification of Youth's Experiences in Official Reports of Maltreatment." Child Abuse & Neglect, vol. 34, no. 9, 2010, pp. 647-658.

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. "Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) Service Definition and Reimbursement Guide."