Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable Populations Vulnerable populations are an unfortunate but very genuine aspect of society. Vulnerable populations are groups of people who are at risk or in danger of suffering either physical or emotional harm or both. The children placed in the foster care system make up an exceptionally vulnerable population. Healthofchildren.com (2011) defines foster care as “a full time substitute care of children outside their home by people other than their biological or adoptive parents or legal guardians.” In this paper the subject to examine is the history of the foster care system, the nature of the social problems in dealing with foster care, the demographics as well as the common clinical issues and intervention strategies for children in foster care.
The History of Foster Care Children orphaned, abandoned, or separated from their parents for other reasons have been in existence since colonial America. Many of these children were indentured servants before the American Civil War and could be bought and sold as such. For their hard work and labors these children would receive food and a place to stay; they would also be taught a skill or trade to support him or herself when they grew older. The congregate living movement rose shortly before the middle of the 18th century and they believed it was best for these children to be housed together in private charity supported orphanages. The first private congregate living facility was then created in America. The government supported these congregate living facilities as opposed to families willing to take children in and granted only limited funding. Children over the age of 10 as well as minority children were rarely taken in at these living facilities. Although private orphanages were most popular, shortly after the American Revolutionary war, the first public orphanage was founded. The founder of the New York Children’s Aid Society, Charles Loring Brace, is also considered the father of the
The History of Foster Care Children orphaned, abandoned, or separated from their parents for other reasons have been in existence since colonial America. Many of these children were indentured servants before the American Civil War and could be bought and sold as such. For their hard work and labors these children would receive food and a place to stay; they would also be taught a skill or trade to support him or herself when they grew older. The congregate living movement rose shortly before the middle of the 18th century and they believed it was best for these children to be housed together in private charity supported orphanages. The first private congregate living facility was then created in America. The government supported these congregate living facilities as opposed to families willing to take children in and granted only limited funding. Children over the age of 10 as well as minority children were rarely taken in at these living facilities. Although private orphanages were most popular, shortly after the American Revolutionary war, the first public orphanage was founded. The founder of the New York Children’s Aid Society, Charles Loring Brace, is also considered the father of the
References: Healthofchildren.com (2011). Children’s Health: Foster Care. Retrieved from http://www.healthofchildren.com/E-F/Foster-Care.html Childwelfare.gov (2010). Foster Care Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/foster.cfm Martin, M.E. (2007). Introduction to Human Services: Through the Eyes of Practice Settings. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, Publishing.