Differences in Foster Care Utilization Among Non-Urban Counties

Abstract

Previous research demonstrates that foster care utilization varies across different geographic areas and recent growth in use has occurred in non-urban areas. This article examines patterns of non-urban foster care utilization and the extent to which differences in utilization are related to person, situation, and placespecific characteristics. While some variability in utilization was related to social structural characteristics of counties, differences among counties in foster care use for adolescents and children with behavior problems accounted for higher rates of variability. The implications of these findings are discussed, as well as their relevance in developing strategies to promote appropriate use of foster care.