Providing age-appropriate activities for youth in foster care: Policy implementation process in three states

Abstract

BackgroundThe Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 brought attention to a myriad of current issues involving youth experiences in foster care. Barriers in youth's freedom to participate in normal, age and developmentally appropriate activities was one of the concerns addressed in the legislation. ObjectiveThis policy analysis of Title I-Subtitle B-Improving Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Supporting Permanency, which is within The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 provides: (1) a brief explanation of the Act, with a specific account of Subtitle B, regarding “normalcy” for foster youth; (2) an analysis of the implementation of the policy in Texas as compared to other states; and (3) recommendations for effectively applying the policy given requirements in child-placing agencies serving foster youth. ConclusionsTitle I-Subtitle B-Improving Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Supporting Permanency is legislation which enhances the experiences of foster youth. Allowing “normalcy” for youth in out-of-home placements supports improved experiences while in foster care, and thus diminishes negative outcomes and trajectories.