The Untold Story: History Of Caring For America's Troubled Children

As society evolves, so does the understanding and approach to caring for the troubled children of America. Throughout history, various methods have been implemented to provide support and guidance for these vulnerable individuals. From orphanages to foster care and therapeutic communities, let's take a deep dive into the captivating history of caring for America's troubled children.

Precursors to Modern Healing

The earliest records of caring for troubled children in America trace back to the Colonial period. In the absence of formal institutions, communities often turned to individual families or religious groups to provide assistance. However, it was not until the early 19th century that concerted efforts began to address the growing issue.

One significant figure in the early history of supporting troubled children was Thomas Bernard. Born in 1798, Bernard established one of the first institutions dedicated to the care of at-risk youth. His innovative approaches, such as therapeutic interventions and vocational training, shaped the foundation of care for generations to come.

Emotionally Disturbed: A History of Caring for America's Troubled Children

by Deborah Blythe Doroshow (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Word Wise	:	Enabled
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The Rise of Orphanages

With the industrial revolution and urbanization in the 19th century, the number of troubled children in America grew significantly. As a result, orphanages became a crucial solution to provide shelter and care for these children facing adversity.

During this era, organizations like the Children's Aid Society and Charles Loring Brace's "Orphan Train" movement played a vital role. These initiatives aimed to place children from overcrowded urban centers into rural homes, ensuring they received individual care and a chance for a better life.

The Evolution of Juvenile Detention

An unfortunate reality of American history is the treatment of troubled children within correctional facilities. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, juvenile offenders were often incarcerated alongside adult criminals, exposing them to further harm and leading to negative long-term consequences.

However, the establishment of the first dedicated juvenile detention centers, such as the New York House of Refuge in 1825, marked a turning point. These institutions aimed to provide a rehabilitative environment for troubled children, prioritizing education and vocational training to enable a successful reintegration into society.

The Emergence of Foster Care

During the mid-20th century, the focus shifted from large institutional settings to more personalized care options, leading to the rise of foster care. This movement recognized the importance of providing troubled children with a stable family environment while supporting their emotional, educational, and developmental needs.

The Child Welfare League of America played a significant role in advocating for foster care as an alternative to institutionalization. By the late 20th century, foster care had become the primary method of caring for troubled children in America. Although the system faced challenges, efforts continued to improve its effectiveness and ensure the well-being of all children in foster care.

The Dawn of Therapeutic Communities

Recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches, therapeutic communities emerged as a revolutionary concept in the late 20th century. These communities offered comprehensive support, combining counseling, therapy, and education within a communal environment.

The Synanon Foundation, established in 1958, played a pivotal role in the development and acceptance of therapeutic communities. By focusing on peer support and accountability, these communities provided a unique approach to addressing the needs of troubled youth.

Modern Approaches and Challenges

In recent years, the approach to caring for America's troubled children continues to evolve in response to changing societal dynamics. The emphasis is now on trauma-informed care, recognizing the impact of adverse experiences on children's behavior and development.

Advancements in understanding mental health and the importance of early intervention have also paved the way for more targeted support systems. The integration of therapeutic techniques, community involvement, and evidence-based practices ensures a holistic approach to caring for troubled children.

Despite progress, challenges persist in the form of limited resources, inequitable access to care, and the ongoing need for improved collaboration between various agencies and organizations involved in the welfare of troubled children.

A Brighter Future

The history of caring for America's troubled children is a testament to the resilience and continuous efforts of compassionate individuals and organizations striving to make a positive impact. By learning from the past and addressing the existing challenges, we can shape a brighter future for all troubled children in our society.

The journey of caring for America's troubled children has been a dynamic one, deeply influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors. From the establishment of the first institutions to the development of modern therapeutic approaches, each era has contributed to shaping the system we have today.

By understanding our history, we acknowledge the progress made and identify areas that require further attention. Only through collective efforts and collaboration can we ensure the well-being and successful outcomes for every troubled child in America.

Emotionally Disturbed: A History of Caring for America's Troubled Children

by Deborah Blythe Doroshow (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Before the 1940s, children in the United States with severe emotional difficulties would have had few options for care. The first option was usually a child guidance clinic within the community, but they might also have been placed in a state mental hospital or asylum, an institution for the so-called feebleminded, or a training school for delinquent children. Starting in the 1930s, however, more specialized institutions began to open all over the country. Staff members at these residential treatment centers shared a commitment to helping children who could not be managed at home. They adopted an integrated approach to treatment, employing talk therapy, schooling, and other activities in the context of a therapeutic environment.

Emotionally Disturbed is the first work to examine not only the history of residential treatment but also the history of seriously mentally ill children in the United States. As residential treatment centers emerged as new spaces with a fresh therapeutic perspective, a new kind of person became visible—the emotionally disturbed child. Residential treatment centers and the people who worked there built physical and conceptual structures that identified a population of children who were alike in distinctive ways. Emotional disturbance became a diagnosis, a policy problem, and a statement about the troubled state of postwar society. But in the late twentieth century, Americans went from pouring private and public funds into the care of troubled children to abandoning them almost completely. Charting the decline of residential treatment centers in favor of domestic care–based models in the 1980s and 1990s, this history is a must-read for those wishing to understand how our current child mental health system came to be.