Social Work Now, Issue 38, pages 29-35.
This article focuses on two conditions – post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD) – that are often associated with exposure to abuse and neglect (e.g. Katerndahl, Burge & Kellogg, 2005), one of which (PTSD) is more prevalent in child welfare and juvenile justice populations (CYF, 2002). Composite case examples are used to illustrate the ways in which youth with these problems may present to Child, Youth & Family (CYF). The article reviews the diagnostic criteria for each condition, briefly discusses some of the issues professionals encounter when working with young people presenting with these conditions, and provides recommendations for obtaining treatment.