Published in the December 21 issue of the journal Science, these findings are the latest to come out of the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP) -- the first randomized, controlled trial in the world to investigate whether foster care can heal the cognitive, emotional and behavioral wounds of severe early childhood deprivation.

Although they vary both within and between countries, institutional settings are often characterized by highly regimented routines; provide little or no exposure to normal language or activities that stimulate the senses; and offer limited access to caregivers. Over the past seven years, Nelson's team has documented that institutionalized children often suffer from a variety of neurobiological and behavioral challenges, as compared to children who have never been institutionalized. In this study, Nelson and his team look specifically at the issue of cognitive delay brought about by this early deprivation.

Charles A. Nelson, PhD

Cognitive development was assessed at baseline, 30 months and 42 months with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), and at 54 months with the Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI). The BSID measures a child's level of development in three areas: cognitive, motor and behavioral. Using this data, the researchers calculated a Developmental Quotient (DQ) for each child. The WPPSI consists of 14 subtests that assess intellectual functioning in verbal and performance domains, as well as a child's general intellectual ability (IQ).

The researchers reported significant differences between the institutional and foster-care groups at 42 months and 54 months, suggesting that foster care intervention led to improved cognitive outcomes as assessed by DQ and IQ. According to Nelson, "this finding clearly indicates the efficacy of our intervention in ameliorating the cognitive decline associated with early institutionalization."