Behavior problems and sexual abuse in residential care in children's homes

Behavior problems of 109 children and adolescents in residential care in children's homes in Finland were examined using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Forty-three per cent of children had total CBCL scores within clinical range. Boys were significantly more disturbed than girls, and a history of sexual abuse and no contact with parents were related to clinical range functioning. Furthermore, special school form and special children's home were associated with more serious behavior problems. A group of most disturbed children had been referred to psychotherapy. The implications of these results for clinical practice are discussed.