Reaction to Separation and Loss
is Influenced By:
 Age and stage of development
 Nature of attachments
 Bond with birth parent(s)
 Bond with siblings & placement with or without
them
 Child’s perception of reason for separation
 Circumstances of separation – attitudes and
messages of all parties
 Pre-placement plan or lack thereof
Abrupt separation
Coping mechanisms (i.e., fight, flight, freeze)
 Environment (known is almost always preferable
to the unknown)
 Number and nature of previous separations
 Ability and/or permission to grieve multiple losses
ACHIEVING PERMANENCY
Central California Training Academy
Page 12
Handout 9