Foster Families Research Articles

State Implementation of Congregate Care Reforms for Children in Foster Care.

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) allows states to use federal Title IV-E funds to provide time-limited, clinically appropriate use of congregate care, including Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs), for youth in foster care. October 1, 2021 marked the deadline for states to begin implementing these FFPSA congregate care reforms. From June to September 2022, we conducted a mixed-methods study to obtain a baseline understanding of implementation barriers, successes, and recommendations to inform congregate care policy and practice. We fielded a national survey with state child welfare agency directors and conducted focus groups with youth with QRTP experiences, child welfare agency administrators, and QRTP executive leaders. We integrated a descriptive analysis of survey data with focus group themes to summarize state implementation progress. A total of 47 states (90%) responded to the survey. Most states reported ongoing congregate care reforms aligned with FFPSA, reducing the use of congregate care and increasing kinship foster care. QRTPs have become the primary congregate care setting. Top implementation barriers concerned workforce resource and capacity constraints, funding, and access to therapeutic foster care models and foster families. Focus group themes converged on the lack of tailored treatment, quality staff, coordinated aftercare, and a need for QRTP outcome evidence. Early implementation lessons of FFPSA congregate care reforms call for additional funding and technical assistance, oversight of congregate care, professionalization and investment in QRTP staff, youth advisory boards to promote youth-driven treatment, and performance- and outcome-based monitoring of QRTPs.

The role of primary care in improving health outcomes in young foster children.

Children removed from their biological families because of abuse, neglect, and/or violence have increased healthcare needs and are susceptible to poor health outcomes compared with children who are not in the child welfare system. Developmental delays occur in about 75% of children in foster care. Up to 80% of children entering out-of-home care have at least one physical health problem and more than 40% experience educational challenges. In most US states, newly removed children are required to have a medical evaluation shortly after placement in a foster or kinship family. The initial evaluation is important for identifying urgent concerns and developing a rapport with children who may not have had regular medical care. In addition, the child's complete social, trauma, and medical history may be unknown because of system barriers such as inconsistent medical care by biological parents, privacy laws protecting records, and unavailability of birth histories and biological parents' medical and psychosocial histories. As a result, a series of visits is required to fully evaluate the child's development and healthcare needs. This article provides guidance for physician associates/assistants who provide care to children in foster care.

Parenthood as the Natural and Socio-Legal Title to Raise Offspring in Accordance with the Norm of Canon 1136 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law

The article offers a description and characterization of the special right of parents to raise their offspring on two counts: from the act of becoming a parent and from the fact that arises from the relationship and bond of the parents and their offspring with society. This relationship exists in particular with the Church and the State, for which the family is a fundamental social component. Consequently, both institutions have a vital interest in educating the offspring, with the institutions of foster family and adoption playing a special role.

SOCIALIZATION OF THE CHILD IN THE CONDITIONS FAMILY-TYPE CHILDREN’S HOME

The article, based on the analysis of theory and practice, characterizes the features of a child’s socialization in the conditions of a family-type orphanage.The peculiarity of the modern stage of society’s development, the contradictions of social relations, the negative effects on the social development of the individual require a deep rethinking of the mission of institutions for the socialization of children in order to create favorable conditions for their social development in modern realities.Today, questions regarding the practical implementation of provisions declared in state documents that define family policy in Ukraine remain partially unresolved. In particular, alternative forms of social protection and family arrangement for orphans – forms of care for children who for certain reasons cannot live with their biological parents (establishment of custody and care, placement in foster families, family-type children’s homes, foster families, children’s institutions with living conditions close to family ones (National strategy for reforming the system of institutional care and upbringing of children for 2017–2026).In modern realities, in conditions of priority attention to each child, one of the important tasks of the state family policy is to solve the problem of orphanhood. First of all, the social phenomenon of orphanhood violates one of the basic rights of the child – the right to family upbringing and parental care, proclaimed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.The system of state guardianship of orphans and children deprived of parental care, created for decades, was oriented towards collective forms of child rearing. As a result, the format of social education (in particular, in traditional orphanages) has acquired a number of negative features, first of all, regarding the process of child socialization: children who grow up outside the family adapt much worse in society, as a rule, find it difficult to navigate the role hierarchy social ties, etc.Ukrainian and foreign experience of caring for orphans and children deprived of parental care show that it is family forms of care that are the most effective in various aspects – educational, social, economic.The development of family forms of upbringing, solving the problem of child socialization in the conditions of a family-type orphanage are topical interdisciplinary tasks of the state’s modern social policy, the need for a civilized society and human morality. The identified vital arguments determine the need to find and implement alternative measures and innovative approaches in family policy and the social sphere, which is the subject of further research.

Legal problems of adoptive families in China

In the People's Republic of China, as in many other countries of the world, modern government policy in the field of family relations is focused on mobilizing the entire society to support families in raising children and supporting children left without parental care, including through placing children in foster care families. However, the legislation in the area of placement of children left without parental care is not perfect and requires a subjective assessment in terms of its compliance with the interests of children’s rights. This form of placement for children without parental care, like a foster family, has made in Chinese legislation relatively recently and is important for protecting the rights and interests of children without parental care. At the same time, the existing legislative rules ensuring the placement of children left without parental care in foster families are not perfect. Thus, the legal problems of placing children without parental care in foster families, related both to the restrictive framework that is imposed on the children themselves who are subject to placement in foster families, and the restrictive framework that is established for the foster families themselves (the age limit of parents, the number of children who can be raised in one foster family) deserve special attention. The article focuses on the legal problems of placing children without parental care in foster families. An analysis of existing problems has shown that there is an urgent need to modernize legislative norms related to placement in foster families in order to ensure the best and comprehensive interests of children, rather than maintaining the approach according to which the family becomes part of the bureaucratic and traditional framework, making it the last link in the implementation of state politicians.

The Criminal Protection of Foster Children in the Jordanian Legislation

Jordanian society has grown concerned as the number of children with unknown parentage has gradually increased. It is important to note that when we refer to a foster child, we really mean a child whose parents are unknown and who is nurtured, raised, protected, and supported by an alternative family known as a foster family. These families have various commitments and responsibilities to uphold. For example, fosterers shall not give their family name to the foster child as a member of their natural family, placing him in endangerment, neglecting him, or abusing him. In the case that a child was a victim of such crimes, the legislator mandated that he have many guarantees, including being represented by the Public Prosecution office, quick decision of the crimes committed against him, and being transferred to a safe location. The current study aimed to shed light on the areas of criminal protection established in the Jordanian legislation, to show the extent of its adequacy and integration, and the success of the legislator in deciding adequate legal protection for the child in custody. The first chapter presented the concept of criminal protection for the foster child, its definition, and its reasons. The second topic dealt with the objective and procedural aspects of criminal protection for the foster child. Finally, the last chapter includes the results, conclusion, and recommendations.

The All4Children project to assess the initial implementation of the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care in Portugal: A description of the study protocol.

The All4Children project addresses the urgent need to transition from institutionalization to family-based care for out-of-home children in Portugal. Despite evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of institutionalization, only a small percentage of children (less than 4%) are currently placed in family foster care in the country. In response to European directives for deinstitutionalization, Portuguese legislation now prioritizes non-kinship family foster care as the preferred alternative for young children in need of care. To facilitate this transition, the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care (MIAF) was developed, offering a comprehensive framework covering the entire spectrum of family foster care. This research aims to investigate the initial implementation stage of the MIAF to promote high-quality family foster care in Portugal. The study will conduct a mixed-method and longitudinal research project in family foster care agencies across different regions of Portugal, focusing on evaluating the implementation and outcomes of the MIAF model using a multi-informant and multi-method approach. The participants will include caseworkers, children aged 0-9 years entering foster care, and their respective foster families enrolled in the MIAF program. Process evaluation will assess fidelity, feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of MIAF modules, while outcome evaluation will examine child safety, stability, well-being, as well as foster family well-being and quality of relational care. The insights gained from this research initiative will serve as a foundation for the ongoing enhancement of MIAF. Consequently, this project has the capacity to advance evidence-based child welfare practices by refining processes and strategies to better serve vulnerable children and youth. Facilitated by a multidisciplinary team, this project will contribute to advancing research in the field, enhancing practice, and informing policy during a pivotal stage of deinstitutionalization in Portugal.

Attentive to learning? Supporting social workers’ monitoring of learning skills in children placed in foster care

BackgroundThere is a high and increasing awareness in the Nordic countries of the disadvantaged educational positions of children placed in out-of-home care. Accompanied by a political quest for solutions, this has had an impact on social workers’ responsibilities, widening their primary focus on wellbeing to include learning. However, social workers in Denmark do not have a strong tradition of monitoring learning for children placed in out-of-home care, nor are they trained in methods of assessing educational performance. ObjectiveIn this article we evaluate the practical use of an academic screening tool introduced as part of social workers’ routine follow-up of children placed in foster care, examining the extent to which the screening is beneficial for their task of monitoring learning. As part of this we evaluate what the screening tool tells us about the children’s academic challenges and to what extent the screening seems to impact subsequent choice of action. MethodThe combined use of screening for wellbeing and learning was tested in a large feasibility study involving 72 social workers in eight Danish municipalities. To evaluate the use of screening in routine follow-ups we gathered quantitative data on screening results and actions taken after follow-up meetings, conducted semi structured interviews with social workers and foster families, and observed social workers’ meetings. Mixed-method analysis from a pragmatic perspective followed and shed light on the implications of screening for social work practice while mirroring the findings in Dewey’s concept of intelligent action. ResultsChildren in foster care are a group at high risk of falling behind in learning and academic skills. Consequently, a tool is required that stimulates action, and screening for learning is valued for its usefulness in that respect by the foster parents and social workers in our study. Screening for learning makes children’s academic challenges a more explicit topic at school meetings, it supports a dialogue between foster parents and teachers on more equal terms as both parties have provided evaluation, and it tends to ‘push’ reluctant school systems as well as social workers to take action when a child is in need of further academic support. Many social workers in this study managed to integrate screening into their ordinary work, thereby making it a tool that supported them in turning their follow-up meetings into sessions characterizable as intelligent action.

Matching Process Concerning Children With Disabilities in Family Foster Care

ABSTRACTChildren with disabilities are over‐represented in foster care and exposed to more disruptions. This is unfortunate because they need long‐term relationships and predictability, as well as access to special schools and health care. Disruption can be the result of a poor match between the child and the foster family. In this article, we focus on the matching process in relation to children with disabilities. Zeijlmans et al. describe matching as the process by which social workers move from principles of good matching to realistic matching, depending on existing premises. Using their model, we analyse the matching process for children with disabilities in Sweden. The study is based on 31 individual interviews and six group interviews with social workers and social work managers. They describe how they take into account the family climate, family composition and prior knowledge and/or experience of disability in the foster home. However, disruptions occur even when these conditions are met. Stable placements seem to be more related to the fostered child's progress when the family's efforts are rewarded. We also address the complex issue of what disability actually means in the context of foster care, given the interrelatedness of trauma, maltreatment and impairment.

Temporary placement of a child in the family of an actual caregiver as a from of children`s placement

Ensuring the rights and well-being of the child is one of the main priorities of modern society. As Ukrainian and foreign legislation states that every child has the right to a family. However, due to different life circumstances, unfortunately, not every child has the opportunity to live in a family with their parents. That is why the question arises, how to ensure the realization of all the rights of a child who has lost his parents, or whose parents have given up their child. In this way, the institution of placement of a child was born. To date, Ukrainian legislation distinguishes such forms of placement of children as foster family, guardianship and care, adoption, family-type orphanage, placement in the family of relatives, acquaintances. All of these forms of placement have a clear procedure for placing a child in a family and a legal mechanism for regulating the rights and responsibilities of the person who took the child into their family, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the child. Each case of placement of children is unique and requires a specialized approach taking into account specific situations, circumstances and needs of the child. However, one form of placement should be singled out, such as placement of a child in the family of an actual caregiver. It is this form that has shown itself to be the most unexplored and at the same time convenient, first of all for a child. However, the problem of legislative implementation of temporary placement of a child by the actual guardian remains unsolved, since the existing legislation quite briefly describes the mechanism of such placement. This form of placement requires clear regulation from the side of the legislation, because the legal mechanism of placement of a child in the family of an actual tutor, the rights and obligations of the actual tutor and the pupil himself need to be researched. The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of such a temporary form of placement of a child as placement in the family of an actual tutor.

Utjecaj obiteljskog stanja na pojavljivanje anksioznosti kod djece i adolescenata

The prime aim of the research was to establish whether children and adolescentsfrom foster families and children and adolescents from single-parent families suffermore from anxiety than the respondents from two-parent families. The sampleincluded 124 respondents, 42 respondents from foster families, 38 children andadolescents from single-parent families and 44 from two-parent families. The resultsindicate that there are differences in the manifestation of anxiety when it comes torespondents from single-parent families and foster families compared to children andadolescents from two-parent families. There are statistically significant differences inthe levels of expression of anxiety among children who live in foster families comparedto children who live with their two-parents and one parent families. Children fromtwo-parent families show less anxiety compared to children from single-parent andfoster families. The conclusion would be that society should provide support to theproblem of anxiety in children and adolescents, as well as the most common mentalproblems in the health, social and educational contexts. The support would refer bothto the prevention of anxiety and to an adequate multidimensional approach in whichspecialists from different fields, trained educators and parents or guardians of childrenwould be involved

Sociocultural Responsive Frameworks to Increase Engagement in Service Systems Through a Peer-to-Peer Model.

Service engagement is critical when working with children and families experiencing chronic adversities because of their socially marginalized status. Further, sociodemographic disparities exist in service engagement within service systems including Community-Based Behavioral Health; likely in part, a result of structural issues driving unresponsive service systems. Despite this knowledge, a large proportion of the family engagement literature continues to be approached through a deficit-based and family-centric lens leaving out important systemic considerations and furthering health inequities. Drawing from a Socio-Ecological Framework (Stokols, 1996), this study focuses on exploring the value of peer support providers (PSPs) to understand how sociocultural responsiveness functions under this service model. Individual interviews and focus group data were collected from both families and PSPs. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke in Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101, 2006) was utilized to code and synthetize the data collected. Findings highlight the importance of capitalizing on meaningful and trusting relationships to foster family engagement in services. These findings solidify the understanding that family engagement is a function of crucial relationships between family, provider, and systems. This work also illustrates how PSPs organic embodiment of sociocultural responsiveness through cultural humility is an avenue through which family engagement can be sustained.

Factors Associated With Stability for Children in Family Foster Care: A Study of Case Files in Six Municipalities in Sweden

ABSTRACTStability is vital for the development, health and relationships of children in family foster care. Instability can lead to social and school issues, low self‐esteem and diminished trust in caregivers. This article examines the risk and protective factors for stability for these children. Data, drawn from case files in six municipalities (n = 116), combine qualitative and quantitative analyses for a comprehensive understanding. Twenty children from each municipality were selected, with 10 in stable placements (lived in one family foster home for over a year) and 10 in unstable placements (lived in at least two different family foster homes). Quantitative results highlight the importance of factors like familiar placements, a child's age at the time of placement, behavioural challenges and the number of children in the foster home. Stable placements were more common in homes with fewer children (including foster and biological children). Qualitative findings show that in some instances, breakdowns in foster care placements could not be foreseen, often arising from stressful events within the foster family's life after the child's placement. Additionally, we observed that breakdowns sometimes resulted from foster parents lacking the necessary resources to address the child's requirements, particularly in cases involving children with behavioural challenges or extensive needs.

Deinstitutionalisation of foster care in Poland. Experiences of selected foster care organisers in the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship

Placing a child in foster care is a last resort and should take place after all possible forms of support and assistance have been exhausted. However, if a child is placed under the care and upbringing of foster care, it is necessary to create conditions as close as possible to those of a family. Since 2000, the Polish foster care system has been subject to the process of deinstitutionalisation. The organisers of foster care were obliged to take actions aimed at reducing the importance of the foster care system in the full childcare system, a smooth transition to a system where full community-level childcare is provided. The aim of the article is to present the foster care system and directions of changes in foster care in quantitative terms and to evaluate the organisation of foster care in the context of the process of its deinstitutionalisation. The conclusions were based on statistical data analysis on the foster care system, which constituted the background for discussions by organisers of foster care in selected poviats of the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship. The system of foster care in Poland is based on family foster care. Reducing the number of institutional foster care facilities is possible, but in the current system, it is only likely to partially eliminate them. The most significant identified challenge of the foster care system is the dropping number of foster families. Additionally, the deinstitutionalisation of foster care requires, above all, measures to increase the effectiveness of the support system and upbringing of the child and natural family in the local environment.

Towards a Social Ecological Approach to Supporting Caseworkers in Promoting the Online Safety of Youth in Foster Care

This research examines how caseworkers collaborate with foster families to address adolescent online safety. We interviewed 32 caseworkers who worked with teens (ages 13-17) in foster care within the past 5 years. Using thematic analysis, we found that case managers are most concerned about sexual-related risks that result in physical abuse (e.g., sex trafficking) or online interactions that facilitated offline risks (e.g., runaway, illegal drug activity), rather than risks that only manifested in virtual spaces. Yet, inadequate training and insufficient support left caseworkers at a loss for how to address these challenges on top of their already heavy caseloads, often making online safety an afterthought. We call on the foster care system to place a higher priority in providing collaborative and socio-technical ecological support for caseworkers, foster parents, and children, so that early risk prevention in online spaces can support the safety and well-being of foster youth offline.

Personal Resources, Well-Being, Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms of Youth in Out-Of-Home Care

Abstract: Background: Many youth living in out-of-home care have higher rates of mental health problems and more negative developmental outcomes than youth who live in their biological families. Aims: While previous studies have focused primarily on risk factors that increase the likelihood of behavioral problems, this study focuses on resources that contribute to positive development. Method: As part of the EMPOWERYOU research project, youth aged 11–18 years living in out-of-home care ( n = 79, living in foster and adoptive families and residential groups) and living with their biological families ( n = 71) participated in an online survey. Youth reported on their personal resources, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and well-being. Results: Youth in out-of-home care reported significantly fewer personal resources, less well-being, and more internalizing and especially externalizing symptoms than youth growing up in their biological families. Path analysis results showed that high self-esteem and high self-control were associated with less externalizing symptoms. Lower empathy/perspective-taking and more self-esteem were associated with less internalizing symptoms. More optimism was associated with increased well-being. These relationships were independent of family placement as there was no moderating effect for placement type. Limitations: Potential limitations arise from focusing solely on self-report and using of a cross-sectional design. Conclusion: The results highlight the relevance of promoting the personal resources of youth in out-of-home care. Since the path analysis did not reveal moderation by family placement, possible interventions do not need to be specified for them, but (already existing) effective interventions can be used.

Paw some Connection: Pet Adoption and Donation

"Paw some Connection" is a comprehensive project aimed at promoting pet adoption and facilitating donations for animal welfare organizations. The initiative seeks to address the growing issue of abandoned and stray animals by creating a user-friendly platform that connects potential pet parents with rescue animals in need of loving homes. This project integrates an intuitive adoption portal, where users can browse profiles of pets available for adoption, learn about their stories, and connect with shelters or foster families. Additionally, a streamlined donation system is incorporated to support the financial needs of these organizations, ensuring proper care, medical attention, and rehabilitation for rescued animals. The platform leverages modern technology and social media integration to amplify its reach, encouraging a wider audience to engage in the noble cause of providing safe and caring environments for animals. By fostering a sense of community and compassion, "Paw some Connection" aims to make a positive impact on the lives of both pets and humans, creating lasting connections that benefit all involved parties. Keywords: Comprehensive project, Promoting pet adoption, Facilitating donations, User-friendly platform.

Comprehensive Analysis of Family-Based Childcare Options for Orphaned Children

This article delves into the challenges faced by orphans in Nigeria, specifically focusing on their psychological development and overall welfare. In 2003, there were an estimated 7 million orphans in the country, a number projected to rise to 8.2 million by 2010. This increase underscores the significant challenges posed by factors such as HIV/AIDS, conflict, and poverty. Globally, the orphan crisis is alarming, with predictions suggesting that by 2020, as many as 200 million children worldwide could be without parental care. The study emphasizes the importance of offering childcare options within family settings rather than relying solely on institutional care, which can have profound effects on the psychosocial development of children. Traditional orphanages, serving as residential centers, grapple with issues like overcrowding, discrimination, and instances of abuse, often leaving thousands of children disconnected from their families. This underscores the necessity to revamp childcare systems and explore new models entirely. The article advocates for a family-centric approach, which includes adoption, community-based upbringing, and initiatives to strengthen existing families. This alternative promises a more supportive environment for orphaned children to thrive mentally and socially. From an economic standpoint, family-oriented childcare is not only more humane but also economically prudent, offering lower costs compared to institutionalized care. Hence, there's a pressing need to redirect ocus towards these alternatives. Keywords: Orphans, Foster family, psychosocial welfare, Institution care, and Abandoned and child welfare.

Stories With Blurred Contours: Family Displays of Foster Families and Young Children in Out‐of‐Home Care

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to investigate foster parents' displays and narratives about family life as foster parents of toddlers and preschool children and how these influence the welfare and sense of family belonging for younger children in foster care. Based on qualitative interviews with 16 foster parents in 10 foster families of looked‐after children aged 1–6, narratives about the children, their needs and roles in the foster family were analysed. Various kinds of narratives of the child and foster family were identified, where the child's differentness and the normative ideas of the foster family often were negotiated in ways that blurred the understanding of the children's needs. Various boundary issues affecting the foster family were also visualized. The results suggested that addressing issues of family boundary ambiguity as a difficult feature of foster care would be beneficial. Not only would this provide opportunities to strengthen the internal life and resilience of the foster family, but it would also help visualize the looked‐after children's individual needs and strengthen their position as family members.

Benefits, Risk Factors and Cognitive Insights for Improving the Well-being of Minors in Greek Foster Care.

This research paper presents a holistic analysis of the foster care system in Greece, exploring its historical evolution, legal nuances, practical concerns, and the recent legislative reforms aimed at improving the well-being of minors in foster care. The study examines various types of foster care arrangements—kinship, non-relative, and professional fostering—highlighting their impact on the psychological, social, and cognitive development of children. It underscores the crucial role of foster families and social workers in providing a conducive family environment, while also cataloging the potential drawbacks of the system, including professional intervention challenges, emotional and social strain on the children, and gaps in the fostering infrastructure. By comparing the Greek fostering institution with systems in France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Ireland, the paper identifies unique challenges and best practices, contributing to an understanding of international foster care dynamics. The research also delves into the intricacies of adoption versus fostering, detailing the emotional and legal commitments involved. Furthermore, the paper integrates insights from related studies on trauma, mental health, and educational neuroscience, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on the needs of foster children. It illustrates the promising strides made by initiatives like the Child Guarantee program to fight poverty and exclusion, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and legislative action. Toward its conclusion, the research accentuates the call for ongoing interdisciplinary studies, policy refinements, and improved professional training within Greek child welfare systems. It presents a compelling case for robust, trauma-informed care frameworks and legislation designed to secure the best outcomes for vulnerable children in foster care.