The Long-Term Developmental Effects of Children Raised in Foster Care
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-17-2024 11:45 AM
End Date
4-17-2024 1:15 PM
Description of Program
Children in foster care are more likely to experience trauma and adversity that may develop into mental health concerns (Adoption Quarterly, 2021). The purpose of this research is to analyze the long-term effects on the development of children raised in foster care, as well as possible solution approaches.
Abstract
Due to issues that make the home environment unsuitable or unfit for child rearing, children placed in foster care are at risk for negative developmental outcomes (Chodura et al., 2021). Foster care systems provide support for children, such as housing and adoption, but other important issues, including mental health and developmental problems, may not be addressed. Issues originating from their home lives prior to foster care can persist into adulthood if not addressed. As such, children in foster care have a greater risk of exposure to trauma, which correlates to the likelihood to experience higher levels of adversity such as homelessness, substance abuse, and lack of resources to obtain and maintain employment for financial stability (Adoption Quarterly, 2021). The availability of mental health services for children placed in foster care is critical. These services not only provide help for children who have experienced trauma but can help throughout their lives to ensure a positive future. The purpose of this research is to analyze the disparate backgrounds and issues children face before foster care, problems that can arise during foster care or within adopted families, and long-term effects on development socially, mentally, and academically. This research also explores how the dismissal of such issues can result in further problems in adulthood. Possible solution approaches in recent practice, including the importance of foster parents' training and involvement, as well as prevention and treatment for foster children will also be discussed.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Alli Cipra
College of Education and Human Development
Presentation File
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The Long-Term Developmental Effects of Children Raised in Foster Care
University Library
Due to issues that make the home environment unsuitable or unfit for child rearing, children placed in foster care are at risk for negative developmental outcomes (Chodura et al., 2021). Foster care systems provide support for children, such as housing and adoption, but other important issues, including mental health and developmental problems, may not be addressed. Issues originating from their home lives prior to foster care can persist into adulthood if not addressed. As such, children in foster care have a greater risk of exposure to trauma, which correlates to the likelihood to experience higher levels of adversity such as homelessness, substance abuse, and lack of resources to obtain and maintain employment for financial stability (Adoption Quarterly, 2021). The availability of mental health services for children placed in foster care is critical. These services not only provide help for children who have experienced trauma but can help throughout their lives to ensure a positive future. The purpose of this research is to analyze the disparate backgrounds and issues children face before foster care, problems that can arise during foster care or within adopted families, and long-term effects on development socially, mentally, and academically. This research also explores how the dismissal of such issues can result in further problems in adulthood. Possible solution approaches in recent practice, including the importance of foster parents' training and involvement, as well as prevention and treatment for foster children will also be discussed.