Difference between revisions of "Foster care" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Foster care''' is a system by which adults care for minor [[children]] who are not able to live with their parents. In the United States, many states have provisions for voluntary or involuntary foster care. Voluntary foster care may be in circumstances where a parent is unable or unwilling to care for a child. For instance, a child may have behavioral problems requiring specialized treatment or the parent might have a problem which results in a temporary or permanent inability to care for the child(ren). Involuntary foster care may be implemented when a child is removed from the normal caregiver for his/her own safety.
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Requirements to be a foster parent vary by jurisdiction, as do monetary reimbursement and other benefits which they receive. In some states, foster parents may be single or a couple, younger or older adults, with or without biological children in their home. Often, "empty nesters" whose children have grown up and left the home may choose to take in foster children.
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Foster care is intended to be a temporary living situation for children. The goal of foster care is to reunify with their parent or guardian or find another suitable permanent living arrangement. This may include an adoptive home, guardianship, or placement with a relative. At times, the bond that develops during foster care will lead to the foster parents adopting the child. In some instances, children may be placed in a long-term foster placement. For older adolescents, a foster care program may offer education and resources to prepare for a transition to independent living.
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== Foster care ==
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In the [[United States]], '''foster home''' licensing requirements vary from state to state but are generally overseen by the state's Department of "[[Social Services]]" or "Human Services" (in some states these departments are overseen by county, rather than state, government).
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Children, unable to function in a foster home, usually due to behavioral problems stemming from [[child abuse]] and neglect, may placed in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs) or other such group homes meant to treat children with similar backgrounds. The focus of treatment in such facilities is to prepare the child for a return to a foster home, to an adoptive home, or to the biological parents when applicable. However, adoption of children who are considered a special need in foster care is an ongoing social problem.
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Treatment foster care is an in-home foster care program for children with complex problems, including abuse, neglect and/or disordered behaviors, and need parents to help resocialize and re-educate the child.
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In [[Canada]] a child may become a [[Crown ward]] and placed under the care of the provincial government, usually through a local or regional agency known as a Children's Aid Society.  If the crown does not terminate the parent's rights, then the child will remain a "permanent crown ward" until eighteen years of age. Crown Wards are able to apply for Extended Care through a Society which enables them to receive financial services from the Provincial Government as long as they remain in school or employed until they are up to twenty five years of age.
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Many children remain permanent crown wards and are not adopted because unlike the U.S. there is no legislation mandating permanency within a specific time period [[Adoption and Safe Families Act]] although recently, with the passing of Bill 210, An Act to amend the Child and Family Services Act, children will have the option of being adopted while still maintaining ties to their families. Prior to the enactment of this legislation, a child had to terminate all ties with their natural families in order to be adopted.
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== Recent United States Foster Care Legislation ==
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On November 19, 1997, President [[Bill Clinton]] signed a new foster care law (The Adoption and Safe Families Act 1997, [http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb/laws_policies/policy/pi/pi9802.htm]) which dramatically reduced the time children are allowed to remain in foster care before being available for [[adoption]]. The new law requires state [[child welfare]] agencies to identify cases where "aggravated circumstances" make permanent separation of child from biological family the best option for the safety and well-being of the child.  One of the main components of The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is the imposition of time limits on reunification efforts.  In the past, it was common for children to languish in care for years with no permanent living situation identified.  They often were moved from placement to placement with no real plan for a permanent home.  ASFA requires that the state identify a permanent plan for children who enter foster care.
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==Effects of chronic maltreatment and children in foster care==
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The National Adoption Center found that 52% of adoptable children (meaning those children in U.S. foster care freed for [[adoption]]) had symptoms of [[attachment disorder]].  A study by Dante Cicchetti found that 80% of abused and maltread infants exhibited attachment disorder symptoms (disorganized subtype).<ref name=Carlson, V., Cicchetti, D., Barnett, D., & Bruanwald, K., (1995)>Carlson, V., Cicchetti, D., Barnett, D., & Braunwald, K. (1995).  Finding order in disorganization: Lessons from research on maltreated infants’ attachments to their caregivers.  In D. Cicchetti & V. Carlson (Eds), Child Maltreatment: Theory and research on the causes and consequences of child abuse and neglect  (pp. 135-157).  NY: Cambridge University Press.</ref><ref name=Cicchetti, D., Cummings, EM, Greengerg, MT, & Marvin, RS. (1990)>Cicchetti, D., Cummings, E.M., Greenberg, M.T., & Marvin, R.S. (1990).  An organizational perspective on attachment beyond infancy.  In M. Greenberg, D. Cicchetti, & M. Cummings (Eds), Attachment in the Preschool Years (pp. 3-50).  Chicago: University of Chicago Press.</ref>
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Children with histories of maltreatment, such as physical and psychological neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, are at risk of developing severe psychiatric problems.<ref name=Gauthier, Stollak, Messe, & Arnoff, (1996)>Gauthier, L., Stollak, G., Messe, L., & Arnoff, J. (1996).  Recall of childhood neglect and physical abuse as differential predictors of current psychological functioning.  Child Abuse and Neglect 20, 549-559</ref><ref name=Malinosky-Rummell & Hansen, (1993)>Malinosky-Rummell, R. & Hansen, D.J. (1993) Long term consequences of childhood physical abuse.  Psychological Bulletin 114, 68-69</ref>  These children are likely to develop Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).<ref name=Lyons-Ruth & Jacobvitz, (1999)>Lyons-Ruth K. & Jacobvitz, D. (1999) Attachment disorganization: unresolved loss, relational violence and lapses in behavioral and attentional strategies.  In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.)  Handbook of Attachment.  (pp. 520-554).  NY: Guilford Press</ref><ref name=Greenberg, (1999)>Greenberg, M. (1999).  Attachment and Psychopathology in Childhood.  In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.).  Handbook of Attachment (pp.469-496).  NY: Guilford Press</ref>  These children may be described as experiencing trauma-attachment problems.  The trauma experienced is the result of abuse or neglect, inflicted by a primary caregiver, which disrupts the normal development of secure attachment.  Such children are at risk of developing a disorganized attachment.<ref name=Lyons-Ruth & Jacobvitz, (1999)>Lyons-Ruth K. & Jacobvitz, D. (1999) Attachment disorganization: unresolved loss, relational violence and lapses in behavioral and attentional strategies.  In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.)  Handbook of Attachment.  (pp. 520-554).  NY: Guilford Press</ref><ref name=Solomon & George, (1999)>Solomon, J. & George, C. (Eds.)  (1999).  Attachment Disorganization.  NY: Guilford Press</ref><ref name=Main & Hesse, (1990)>Main, M. & Hesse, E. (1990) Parents’ Unresolved Traumatic Experiences are related to infant disorganized attachment status.  In M.T. Greenberg, D. Ciccehetti, & E.M. Cummings (Eds), Attachment in the Preschool Years: Theory, Research, and Intervention (pp161-184).  Chicago: University of Chicago Press</ref>  Disorganized attachment is associated with a number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms,<ref name=Carlson,E.A. (1988)>Carlson, E.A. (1988).  A prospective longitudinal study of disorganized/disoriented attachment.  Child Development 69, 1107-1128</ref> as well as depressive, anxiety, and acting-out symptoms.<ref name=Lyons-Ruth,K (1996)>Lyons-Ruth, K. (1996).  Attachment relationships among children with aggressive behavior problems: The role of disorganized early attachment patterns.  Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 64, 64-73</ref><ref name=Lyons-Ruth, Alpern, & Pepacholi, (1993)>Lyons-Ruth, K., Alpern, L., & Repacholi, B. (1993).  Disorganized infant attachment classification and maternal psychosocial problems as predictors of hostile-aggressive behavior in the preschool classroom.  Child Development 64, 572-585</ref>
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The effects of early chronic maltreatment are seen in varioius domains and the result is [[Complex post-traumatic stress disorder]], which requires a multi-modal approach that directly addresses the underlying causative trauma and which seeks to build healthy and secure relationships with permanent caregivers.
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These children require specialized treatment<ref name="Arthur Becker-Weidman, Ph.D., & Deborah Shell, MA">Becker-Weidman, A., & Shell, D., (Eds.) (2005) [http://woodnbarnes.com/titles/viewTitle.php?titleID=59 ''Creating Capacity For Attachment''], Wood 'N' Barnes, OK. ISBN 1-885473-72-9</ref><ref name="Becker-Weidman, 2006">Becker-Weidman, A., (2006). Treatment for Children with Trauma-Attachment Disorders: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.  Vol. 23 #2, April 2006.</ref>
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, such as [[Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy]]
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== References ==
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* Littlefield, Jamie (2006). [http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/age-out.htm "Help 'Aged-out' Foster Care Teens Become Productive Adults"] Retrieved Jun. 27, 2006.
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* Hurley, Kendra (2002). [http://www.nhi.org/online/issues/125/fostercare.html "Almost Home"] Retrieved Jun. 27, 2006.
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* Charity Guide (2006). [http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/foster-children.htm "Collect Suitcases for Foster Care Children"] Retrieved July 7, 2006.
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<references/>
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== External links ==
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* [http://www.fosterclub.com FosterClub] The national network for young people in foster care.
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* [http://www.afterfostercare.ca Too many stops] Audio documentary documenting former foster child's life story. Aired on [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] Radio Outfront on September 12, 2002.
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* [http://www.ifco.info/ International Foster Care Organisation]The only charitable NGO solely devoted to the development of Foster Care with members in 50+ countries. Web site is in English & Spanish.
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* [http://www.adoptioninformation.com/ Adoptioninformation.com] - Wiki-style site for everything adoption and foster.
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* [http://www.fosterparenting.com/ FosterParenting.com] Extensive resource about foster parenting and foster care
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* [http://www.fostercares.org/ FosterCares.org] Non-profit organization providing free clothing, toys, and equipment to foster children throughout the state of Georgia.
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* [http://www.pbs.org/wnet/agingout/index-hi.html Aging Out] Aging Out is a documentary produced by [[PBS]] that chronicles the obstacles faced by teens who 'age out' of the foster care system.
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* (http://www.fostering.net The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in foster care, and exists to ensure that fostered children receive the highest standards of care.
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* [http://p103.ezboard.com/bfosteringandadoptingolderchildren    Fostering - Adopting Older Children. A community of foster and adoptive parents and prospective parents of older children, sibling groups, teenagers, and other special needs children.]
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* [http://www.cwav.asn.au/foster/enquiry.html]  The Centre For Excellence In Child And Family Welfare is the primary source of information on foster care and becoming a carer in Victoria, Australia.
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* [http://www.styvbarn.se Stepchildren of the State: A Swedish association working for the rights of fosterchildren. English sector]
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{{Credit1|Foster_care|102580634|}}

Revision as of 22:44, 24 January 2007


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Foster care is a system by which adults care for minor children who are not able to live with their parents. In the United States, many states have provisions for voluntary or involuntary foster care. Voluntary foster care may be in circumstances where a parent is unable or unwilling to care for a child. For instance, a child may have behavioral problems requiring specialized treatment or the parent might have a problem which results in a temporary or permanent inability to care for the child(ren). Involuntary foster care may be implemented when a child is removed from the normal caregiver for his/her own safety.

Requirements to be a foster parent vary by jurisdiction, as do monetary reimbursement and other benefits which they receive. In some states, foster parents may be single or a couple, younger or older adults, with or without biological children in their home. Often, "empty nesters" whose children have grown up and left the home may choose to take in foster children.

Foster care is intended to be a temporary living situation for children. The goal of foster care is to reunify with their parent or guardian or find another suitable permanent living arrangement. This may include an adoptive home, guardianship, or placement with a relative. At times, the bond that develops during foster care will lead to the foster parents adopting the child. In some instances, children may be placed in a long-term foster placement. For older adolescents, a foster care program may offer education and resources to prepare for a transition to independent living.

Foster care

In the United States, foster home licensing requirements vary from state to state but are generally overseen by the state's Department of "Social Services" or "Human Services" (in some states these departments are overseen by county, rather than state, government).

Children, unable to function in a foster home, usually due to behavioral problems stemming from child abuse and neglect, may placed in Residential Treatment Facilities (RTFs) or other such group homes meant to treat children with similar backgrounds. The focus of treatment in such facilities is to prepare the child for a return to a foster home, to an adoptive home, or to the biological parents when applicable. However, adoption of children who are considered a special need in foster care is an ongoing social problem.

Treatment foster care is an in-home foster care program for children with complex problems, including abuse, neglect and/or disordered behaviors, and need parents to help resocialize and re-educate the child.

In Canada a child may become a Crown ward and placed under the care of the provincial government, usually through a local or regional agency known as a Children's Aid Society. If the crown does not terminate the parent's rights, then the child will remain a "permanent crown ward" until eighteen years of age. Crown Wards are able to apply for Extended Care through a Society which enables them to receive financial services from the Provincial Government as long as they remain in school or employed until they are up to twenty five years of age.

Many children remain permanent crown wards and are not adopted because unlike the U.S. there is no legislation mandating permanency within a specific time period Adoption and Safe Families Act although recently, with the passing of Bill 210, An Act to amend the Child and Family Services Act, children will have the option of being adopted while still maintaining ties to their families. Prior to the enactment of this legislation, a child had to terminate all ties with their natural families in order to be adopted.

Recent United States Foster Care Legislation

On November 19, 1997, President Bill Clinton signed a new foster care law (The Adoption and Safe Families Act 1997, [1]) which dramatically reduced the time children are allowed to remain in foster care before being available for adoption. The new law requires state child welfare agencies to identify cases where "aggravated circumstances" make permanent separation of child from biological family the best option for the safety and well-being of the child. One of the main components of The Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) is the imposition of time limits on reunification efforts. In the past, it was common for children to languish in care for years with no permanent living situation identified. They often were moved from placement to placement with no real plan for a permanent home. ASFA requires that the state identify a permanent plan for children who enter foster care.

Effects of chronic maltreatment and children in foster care

The National Adoption Center found that 52% of adoptable children (meaning those children in U.S. foster care freed for adoption) had symptoms of attachment disorder. A study by Dante Cicchetti found that 80% of abused and maltread infants exhibited attachment disorder symptoms (disorganized subtype).[1]Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many

Children with histories of maltreatment, such as physical and psychological neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, are at risk of developing severe psychiatric problems.[2][3] These children are likely to develop Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).[4][5] These children may be described as experiencing trauma-attachment problems. The trauma experienced is the result of abuse or neglect, inflicted by a primary caregiver, which disrupts the normal development of secure attachment. Such children are at risk of developing a disorganized attachment.[4][6][7] Disorganized attachment is associated with a number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms,[8] as well as depressive, anxiety, and acting-out symptoms.[9][10]

The effects of early chronic maltreatment are seen in varioius domains and the result is Complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which requires a multi-modal approach that directly addresses the underlying causative trauma and which seeks to build healthy and secure relationships with permanent caregivers.

These children require specialized treatment[11][12] , such as Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Carlson, V., Cicchetti, D., Barnett, D., & Braunwald, K. (1995). Finding order in disorganization: Lessons from research on maltreated infants’ attachments to their caregivers. In D. Cicchetti & V. Carlson (Eds), Child Maltreatment: Theory and research on the causes and consequences of child abuse and neglect (pp. 135-157). NY: Cambridge University Press.
  2. ↑ Gauthier, L., Stollak, G., Messe, L., & Arnoff, J. (1996). Recall of childhood neglect and physical abuse as differential predictors of current psychological functioning. Child Abuse and Neglect 20, 549-559
  3. ↑ Malinosky-Rummell, R. & Hansen, D.J. (1993) Long term consequences of childhood physical abuse. Psychological Bulletin 114, 68-69
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lyons-Ruth K. & Jacobvitz, D. (1999) Attachment disorganization: unresolved loss, relational violence and lapses in behavioral and attentional strategies. In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.) Handbook of Attachment. (pp. 520-554). NY: Guilford Press
  5. ↑ Greenberg, M. (1999). Attachment and Psychopathology in Childhood. In J. Cassidy & P. Shaver (Eds.). Handbook of Attachment (pp.469-496). NY: Guilford Press
  6. ↑ Solomon, J. & George, C. (Eds.) (1999). Attachment Disorganization. NY: Guilford Press
  7. ↑ Main, M. & Hesse, E. (1990) Parents’ Unresolved Traumatic Experiences are related to infant disorganized attachment status. In M.T. Greenberg, D. Ciccehetti, & E.M. Cummings (Eds), Attachment in the Preschool Years: Theory, Research, and Intervention (pp161-184). Chicago: University of Chicago Press
  8. ↑ Carlson, E.A. (1988). A prospective longitudinal study of disorganized/disoriented attachment. Child Development 69, 1107-1128
  9. ↑ Lyons-Ruth, K. (1996). Attachment relationships among children with aggressive behavior problems: The role of disorganized early attachment patterns. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 64, 64-73
  10. ↑ Lyons-Ruth, K., Alpern, L., & Repacholi, B. (1993). Disorganized infant attachment classification and maternal psychosocial problems as predictors of hostile-aggressive behavior in the preschool classroom. Child Development 64, 572-585
  11. ↑ Becker-Weidman, A., & Shell, D., (Eds.) (2005) Creating Capacity For Attachment, Wood 'N' Barnes, OK. ISBN 1-885473-72-9
  12. ↑ Becker-Weidman, A., (2006). Treatment for Children with Trauma-Attachment Disorders: Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. Vol. 23 #2, April 2006.

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