Foster Care in the United States

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the foster care available in the United States. A short write up on the history of children protective services in the United States is provided, together with statistics on American children in foster care. The author touches on existing differential treatment in the foster care system towards race and explores the adoption trend that has been on the rise in the United States. The author further explains why this has been a good thing for children in the system. The paper also discusses the notion of privatization of the management of the foster care system and discusses how this seemingly profit-driven option will affect the children in its care.

Outline:
Introduction
The History of Foster Care
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The child foster care system that arose out of the 19th century philanthropy and private organizations' concern for the safety and well being of the country's children began with good intentions. Unfortunately, the very programs that grew out of those good intentions became mired down in administrative weights that prevented them from developing in ways that would best serve all children, regardless of race or religion. The progress that was made well into the mid 20th century, is now in danger of sliding backwards, and once it begins that backward slide, it becomes difficult to say how far back it will slide."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barber, James G., and Paul H. Delfabbro. Children in Foster Care. New York: Routledge, 2003. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104246712>.
• Brittain, Charmaine, and Deborah Esquibel Hunt, eds. Helping in Child Protective Services : A Competency-Based Casework Handbook /. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=102653512>.
• Geenen, Sarah, and Laurie E. Powers. "Are We Ignoring Youths with Disabilities in Foster Care? an Examination of Their School Performance." Social Work 51.3 (2006): 233+. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5017206898>.
• Humphrey, Kristen R., Ann P. Turnbull, and H. Rutherford Turnbull. "Perspectives of Foster-Care Providers, Service Providers and Judges regarding Privatized Foster-Care Services." Journal of Disability Policy Studies 17.1 (2006): 2+. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5016024374>.
• Pertman, Adam. Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America. New York: Basic Books, 2000. Questia. 8 Mar. 2008 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=27167467>.

More papers on Foster Care in the United States:

• Term Paper # 102916 : "Critical Race Theory and Foster Care in America"
• Term Paper # 145020 : "Effects of Foster Care on Children"
• Descriptive Essay # 107769 : "Foster Care"

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