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Family functioning directly influences how a person connects to new relationships. The defining and measuring those interactions assesses the influence that these factors have on an individual s functioning. Bowen family system theory (BFST) is a systemic approach that examines how past generational functioning influences current generations functioning. However, the question remains to be answered about how and what intergenerational factors influence the personality of young adults who were raised in alternative family placements.In workng at Orangewood Children s Home, Orange County, California s emergency shelter for abused and neglected children for over 20 years, I have witnessed useful and effective ways to deal with children placed in out-of-home care. Part of this coordination is to educate our communities about child abuse awareness. I hope to continue to develop ways to transition these children into connected relationships and independent living.

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Rick earned his Psychology degree from the University of Montana and a Master´s Degree in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. His Doctorate of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy is from Alliant International University in Irvine,CA. Orangewood Children´s Home is an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children.

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