Session 5

Unit Two: Loss Experience of Children in Placement

Types of Loss and the Grieving Process

First of all, let us look at a couple of definitions.

Maturational losses are experiences that occur as we pass through our life stages. They are anticipated life transitions - normal, developmental losses that are fairly common in our society. Gains as well as losses are associated with these experiences.

Maturational losses are expected, people have time to prepare for them and anticipate the changes, and connections are usually maintained.

Situational losses result from externally imposed stress situations that are unexpected, uncontrolled, and emotionally overwhelming.

One is removed or cut-off from people or things to which one is attached; the loss is unexpected so people become overwhelmed. There aren’t any immediate or obvious gains, only losses.

Children coming into foster care are experiencing situational losses. They are leaving their parents, extended family, pets, home, school, friends, toys, and familiar surroundings. They are losing an understanding about what the rules are and a comfort level about what typical expectations are.

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