Foster Care

Paper Summary:

The paper states that the negative long-term effects of foster care associated with young children in the United States have reportedly steadily increased, raising concern among parents and governmental programs. The paper comments that the literature indicates that the reported effects of foster care on children are substantial and irreversible. The media has continued to publish foster care horror stories which report neglect, abuse and overall lack of love, all of which have devastating impacts on the young children placed into these foster homes, and continues into their adult life. The paper highlights that a review of the literature reveals that some of the most serious long term effects of foster care include abuse and neglect of their own children, criminal tendencies and drug or alcohol abuse. The foster care system appears to be much overworked and stretched beyond its' limits. This paper analyzes the effects of foster care children in the United States.

Outline:
Introduction
Effects of Growing up Without a Permanent Home
Effects on Education and Job Skills
Mental Health Problems
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This lack of education effects children in foster care because they are less likely to obtain employment and secure a successful permanent job that is adequate to survive on. Each year, more than 20,000 children across the U.S. turn 18 and must leave foster care. While resilient and strong in their own ways, too often these youth face life-changing decisions without the resources and support to make good choices (Pecora et.al., 2003). Pecora et.al. (2003) reports several social and economic implications of not providing effective transition services to youth in foster care. Pecora et.al. (2003) reports an increase in national data showing that children who leave foster care, especially those who leave early, are at risk of subsequent homelessness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Albers, E., Reilly, T., & Rittner, B. (1993). Children in foster care: Possible factors affecting permanency planning. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 10: 329- 341.
• Pecora, P., Williams, J., Kessler, R., Downs, C., O'Brien, K. & Morello, S. (2003). Assessing the Effects of Foster Care. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.casey.org.
• Katz, L. (1987). An Overview of Current Clinical Issues in Separation and Placement. Child and Adolescent Social Work 4: 209-225.
• National Adoption and Foster Care Statistics. (2004). Administration for Families and Children. Retrieved July 15, 2007, from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/dis/afcars/publications/afcars.htm.
• Weldon, C. (2001). Foster Care: A Psychological War. Retrieved July 22, 2007, from http://www.samford.edu/schools/artsci/scs/weldon.html.

More papers on Foster Care:

• Analytical Essay # 123742 : "Foster Care Outcomes"
• Analytical Essay # 149170 : "Foster Care in Canada"
• Analytical Essay # 140734 : "African-American Children in the Foster Care System"
• Research Paper # 121373 : "Transitioning From Foster Care"

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