FOREWORD to POWERHOUSE ROAD
Ronald's admission day picture at the orphanage
Early studies documented the adverse effects that long-term care had on orphans’ emotional, social and cognitive development. Today, studies continue to affirm that orphanage care is an unsatisfactory option for children who cannot remain with their families.
Obvious questions remain unanswered about suitability of institutional care for youth. Child researchers and professionals have observed that time-limited residential treatment of children with serious problems works best. I firmly believe that youth who coexist at an institution take more risks, have more threats to achievement and have poorer peer influences. Psychologically speaking, it is critical to help these youth connect with an adult who can provide support and guidance as the youth move back to the community.
Ronald Maloney was the first bi-racial child in the south exposed to the hazards of orphanage life. He will open the minds of the clinical world by piercing into a portal that only he can. I am a testament to the bulk of the information in this book due to my time at the orphanage that I shared with Ronald.
Leon Robinson, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor, Behavioral Science Department
North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
Obvious questions remain unanswered about suitability of institutional care for youth. Child researchers and professionals have observed that time-limited residential treatment of children with serious problems works best. I firmly believe that youth who coexist at an institution take more risks, have more threats to achievement and have poorer peer influences. Psychologically speaking, it is critical to help these youth connect with an adult who can provide support and guidance as the youth move back to the community.
Ronald Maloney was the first bi-racial child in the south exposed to the hazards of orphanage life. He will open the minds of the clinical world by piercing into a portal that only he can. I am a testament to the bulk of the information in this book due to my time at the orphanage that I shared with Ronald.
Leon Robinson, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor, Behavioral Science Department
North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
