This monograph reviews literature pertaining to children without permanent parents. Chapters review (1) the development of children while institutional residents; (2) the development of postinstitutionalized children transitioned to family environments (i.e. adoption); the effects of institutionalization on (3) attachment behaviors, (4) physical growth, and (5) neurobiological development; the possibility of a sensitive period in early development during which institutionalization may be most damaging; (7) best practices in low-resource countries in moving toward family alternatives to institutions; (8) challenges faced by these countries in formulating and implementing such policies; and (9) more speculative interpretations of major research, practice, and policy issues in this field.
