The presence of emotional symptoms in the child in care

Exposed to multiple risk factors before and during placement, children in care have a high prevalence of internalizing disorders. These disorders can hinder their family, social and school integration. The objective of this thesis is to draw a portrait of children in care with internalizing disorders in order to better identify them and better support them and the adults who care for them. The sample is composed of 62 children, aged between 10 and 12 years, placed in regular foster care and involved in the SOCEN project. Almost 19% of the 62 children experience high emotional symptoms. The results reveal the high presence of externalizing disorders (hyperactive disorders, conduct disorders) in foster children with high emotional symptoms. These children also have more problems with peers. Those who have experienced more than three placements show more high emotional symptoms.