Humanistic principles of social and pedagogical work with maladapted children in the USA

The aim of the study is to investigate the problem of organization of social and pedagogical work with maladapted children in the USA. The main methods of research are: the analysis of the scientific literature and generalization. The basic stages of the formation of the system of education of children with deviant behavior in the USA were identified and characterized (from the end of the XVIII - the first half of the XIX century to our days). It has been found that social and pedagogical work with maladapted children who are prone to deviant behavior is provided in the USA in the process of interaction of all social institutions: educational institutions, medical institutions, social services, public and religious organizations, volunteers. Services that maladapted children may receive: placement under foster care; creating a safe environment for children removed from families; financial support; psychological counseling for children and families; employment counseling; training in proper housekeeping; development of life skills; medical assistance; recreation; consultations on the ability to manage negative emotions and the organization of productive communication; educational programs and more. It is established that in the educational work with maladapted children its overall humanistic orientation is important. Humanistic dominants in education are represented by humanistic values, which form the theoretical and ideological basis of the process of education. The main humanistic dominants in social-pedagogical work with maladapted children in the United States are: accepting each child as he is; individual approach; trust and openness in the pedagogical interaction of the caregiver and the pupil; giving preference to educational measures over the punishing in the re-socialization of the individual; ensuring the right of children to organize their lives independently; education in the work that gives pleasure. The scientific novelty of the study is that for the first time the specifics of social and pedagogical work with maladapted children with deviant behavior in the USA have been revealed. The practical significance of the study means the possibility of using of the American experience in Ukraine.