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Issues in Child Psychology Related To Foster Care System

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Issues in Child Psychology Related To Foster Care System

Children are victims in different situations, and many have found themselves in the foster care

system because of these situations. Over the years, the number of children entering the forester

care system has increased. The United States Department of Health and Human Services

reported that there are over 400,540 children in the system (Jones & Morris, 2012). Children are

placed from one family system to another, hoping that they will adjust and thrive optimally. The

children in the foster system represent a vulnerable and victimized population. A lot of

psychological issues and concerns facing children in the system have been reported.

Children in foster care are experiencing high levels of behavioral, emotional, mental, and

medical difficulties. These children's psychological problems are because of the caregiver's

instability, attachment disruption, dysfunctional families, early maladaptive caregiving effects,

and maltreatment. Moreover, the children are either from families with a high rate of psychiatric

problems, have experienced substance use in caregivers and parents, family neglect, or violence.

Alternatively, foster care also has impacted the psychological development of children. Foster

children and parents must navigate the new and complex boundaries to facilitate healthy

adjustment, making the issues more complicated. The first few months in foster care can be

challenging because they are still dealing with the new environment, family disruption, or

maltreatment (Gelles, 2006).

However, foster parents are the important intervention for mitigating these issues. The main goal

of fostering is to promote children’s development and growth through a nurturing and safe

environment. It is essential to understand that every child in the system is different. Therefore

placement decisions for each child should be individualized to make sure their needs are fully
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met. Also, early intervention is the key to minimizing any long-term or permanent effects of

trauma.
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References

Gelles, R. J. (2006). Child maltreatment and foster care. Gender Issues, 23(4), 36-47.

https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03186788

Jones, A. M., & Morris, T. L. (2012). Psychological adjustment of children in foster care:

Review and implications for best practice. Journal of Public Child

Welfare, 6(2), 129-148.

https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2011.617272