Reference no: EM133397330
Your client is Maisie. She is 9 years old and living with her foster parents Jim and Sue in England. Maisie is hoping to be adopted, and Jim and Sue plan to adopt her. Maisie experienced violence her first 4 years while living with her mom. After being removed from her mom, Maisie has had 10 foster placements in 4 years, 2 families that were hoping to adopt her but chose not to do so due to her behavior. Prior to living with Jim and Sue, Maisie was very close with her foster parent Susan. This placement was not going to be permanent but did last a year, and Maisie was moved due to Susan's health. Susan collapsed, was transported by ambulance and Maisie never saw her again, said goodbye, or knew what happened to Susan. Maisie does not understand why she was moved from Susan's home.
Maisie struggles with angry, violent outbursts. Maisie targets Sue with her anger. Jim and Sue have adopted 8 other children, all who experienced trauma and have struggled with behavior. They understand the impact of trauma and work hard to support Maisie. Maisie's violence is a risk for her safety and the safety of others in the home.
Jim and Sue work to provide nurture and utilize activities to build attachment. The recognize that in some ways, Maisie is functioning like a 3 or 4 year old emotionally due to her history of trauma. Jim and Sue report they are struggling with Masie's behavior despite their experience and knowledge.
They are working with a therapist to support Maisie but there is limited funding from the state for the services. Maisie reports not liking her acting out behavior and wanting to "get rid of the bad stuff." Sue reports concerns about Maisie's ability to form relationships due to the trauma she witnessed in her birth family and the disruptions in the relationships due to moving foster placements. Maisie struggles with sharing feelings of love toward Sue in therapy, avoiding touch and nurture. Maisie is displaying her anger in therapy sessions. Maisie reports "I hate mums" during therapy.
Maisie is healthy and there are no reports of any physical development issues.
Maisie has been in about 11 schools since she would have began school at age 5 due to placement moves. We do not have a current report from the school about her progress, test scores or behavior.
Based on what you know about development in middle childhood,
What are 3 concerns you would have about interactions between Maisie and her peers?
How might Maisie's peers respond to her behavior?
Do you think Maisie's experiences might impact her ability to build relationships with peers?
Why or why not?