Effect of Foster Care on Children
Effect of Foster Care on Children
Human Development
March 30, 2011
Introduction/ Problem Statement Each year 542,000 children nationwide live temporarily with foster parents, while their own parents struggle to overcome an addiction to alcohol, drugs, illness, financial hardship or other difficulties (Mennen, Brensilver, & Trickett, 2010.) The maltreatment they experienced at home, the shock of being separated from their birth parents, and the uncertainty they face as they enter the foster care system leave many children feeling abandoned or lost. Children have many needs, but while in foster care these needs are not always met. A supportive family environment is created for those children whose parents are not able to take the responsibility of caring for their own children. Today the focus is not only on the child’s protection while out of the home, but where to be placed now and how the child will adapt to the situation.
Description of Foster Care Foster care has served as an adequate way for society to provide additional care to children who need temporary or permanent placement for a variety of reasons (Mandell, 2006.) Foster homes try to create an environment that supports the social, emotional, and developmental growth of children. Many of these children have dealt with maltreatment such as abuse and neglect, which has put them in foster care and has also impacted their developmental and mental health (Diehl, Howse, & Trivette, 2011.)
Children in Foster Care There are several hundred thousand children within the foster care system in the United States, but what decisions did their parents make in order for the child to enter the system? Sadly, many homes have more than one of the following issues, and a child can enter the foster care system for numerous reasons. Neglect is the most prevalent form of maltreatment. Meeting the needs of children include providing food, a clean living environment, and education, as well as seeking attention to
Human Development
March 30, 2011
Introduction/ Problem Statement Each year 542,000 children nationwide live temporarily with foster parents, while their own parents struggle to overcome an addiction to alcohol, drugs, illness, financial hardship or other difficulties (Mennen, Brensilver, & Trickett, 2010.) The maltreatment they experienced at home, the shock of being separated from their birth parents, and the uncertainty they face as they enter the foster care system leave many children feeling abandoned or lost. Children have many needs, but while in foster care these needs are not always met. A supportive family environment is created for those children whose parents are not able to take the responsibility of caring for their own children. Today the focus is not only on the child’s protection while out of the home, but where to be placed now and how the child will adapt to the situation.
Description of Foster Care Foster care has served as an adequate way for society to provide additional care to children who need temporary or permanent placement for a variety of reasons (Mandell, 2006.) Foster homes try to create an environment that supports the social, emotional, and developmental growth of children. Many of these children have dealt with maltreatment such as abuse and neglect, which has put them in foster care and has also impacted their developmental and mental health (Diehl, Howse, & Trivette, 2011.)
Children in Foster Care There are several hundred thousand children within the foster care system in the United States, but what decisions did their parents make in order for the child to enter the system? Sadly, many homes have more than one of the following issues, and a child can enter the foster care system for numerous reasons. Neglect is the most prevalent form of maltreatment. Meeting the needs of children include providing food, a clean living environment, and education, as well as seeking attention to
References: Cheng, T. C. (2010). Factors associated with reunification: A longitudinal analysis of long-term foster care Diehl, D. C., Howse, R. B., & Trivette, C. M. (2011). Youth in foster care: Developmental assets and attitudes towards adoption and mentoring. Child and Family Social Work, 16(1), 81-92 Forrester, D., & Harwin, J. (2008). Parental substance misuse and child welfare: Outcomes for children two years after referral. The British Journal of Social Work, 38(8), 1518-1535 Friend, C., Shlonsky, A., & Lambert, L. (2008). From evolving discourses to new practice approaches in domestic violence and child protective services. Children and Youth Services Review, 30(6), 689-698. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.01.006 Herrick, J Mandell, B. R. (2006). Foster care. New Politics, 11(1), 18-37. Mennen, F. E., Brensilver, M., & Trickett, P. K. (2010). Do maltreated children who remain at home function better than those who are placed. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(12), 1675-1682 Osborn, A. L., Delfabbro, P., & Barber, J. G. (2008). The psychosocial functioning and family background of children experiencing significant placement instability the risk of juvenile delinquency. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(12), 1823-1830 long-term foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(10), 1311- 1316.doi:10.1016/j.childyouth. 2010.04.023 Diehl, D Forrester, D., & Harwin, J. (2008). Parental substance misuse and child welfare: Outcomes for children two years after referral. The British Journal of Social Work, 38(8), 1518-1535 Friend, C., Shlonsky, A., & Lambert, L. (2008). From evolving discourses to new practice approaches in domestic violence and child protective services. Children and Youth Services Review, 30(6), 689-698. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2008.01.006 Herrick, J Mandell, B. R. (2006). Foster care. New Politics, 11(1), 18-37. Mennen, F. E., Brensilver, M., & Trickett, P. K. (2010). Do maltreated children who remain at home function better than those who are placed. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(12), 1675-1682