Attachment tHAIRapy: A Culturally Relevant Treatment Paradigm for African American Foster Youth

Culturally competent, ethnically relevant treatment strategies are needed to address the attachment needs of foster youth in the child welfare system. Hair is a fundamental element in the lives of African American female youth and can be identified as a protective factor for this population. Furthermore, hair care can provide a context and vehicle for attachment, nurturing, and positive self-worth. Drawing from data obtained through interviews with nine foster girls, the authors endorse pairing two key services for African American female foster youth, namely, traditional psychotherapy and hair care (termed Attachment tHAIRapy). Utilizing a creative, culturally relevant, strengths-based intervention such as Attachment tHAIRapy potentially improves attachment, placement stability, treatment engagement, and self-esteem.