Foster Care Placement Improves Children's Functioning

Abstract

These results demonstrate that children's reported functioning improves over the course of placement in foster care and that sociodemographic characteristics, reason for placement, length of time in foster care, and fewer recommended services at entry into foster care identified children who were more likely to improve. These results argue for a careful examination of the foster care environment to better understand which aspects of the environment contribute to improved foster mother reported functioning. Such understanding will be critical for the care and development of maltreated children.

Associations between intensity of child welfare involvement and child development among young children in child welfare

“…However, our results contrast with other findings that do show improvements for young children in foster care; most notably improved adaptive functioning (Horwitz et al, 2001). There are several possible explanations for the differences between the present study and the results of Horwitz and colleagues.…”

Families of Origin, Foster Care Experience, and the Transition to Adulthood

“…Feeling that caregivers and adults cared about respondents and experiencing few foster care moves were related to better overall adult outcomes. This research supports prior research findings that indicated that under some conditions foster care youths thrive in some respects (Horwitz & Balestracci, 2001; Taussig & Clyman, 2001). We conclude that foster care involvement creates an opportunity to shape a new life reality.…”

Taking culture seriously: Can we improve the developmental health and well‐being of Australian Aboriginal children in out‐of‐home care?

“…This in‐depth study of Aboriginal children in stable care is the first to unpack the different elements of the service and support system needed to improve children's developmental well‐being in urban Australia. We found that despite having a similar burden of health and developmental concerns on entry into care, most children improved in stable care, this finding being similar to what Horwitz, Balestracci, and Simms () reported from their Connecticut sample. The elements that helped support children's positive trajectory in our study were multidisciplinary and cross‐agency services that worked collaboratively in a trauma‐informed manner, strong cultural engagement by children and their families, and the lead agency becoming the surrogate extended family to create a culturally understood sense of “belonging.”…”