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Understanding the Impact of Foster Care and Adoption on Children Already in the Home

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There are concerns for which foster/adoptive parents should be aware of in managing the needs of how foster care impacts children already in their home.

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Impact of Foster Care & Adoption - American SPCC

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Impact of Foster Care & Adoption - American SPCC

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Behavioral and Emotional Issues in Adopted Children

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Behavioral and Emotional Issues in Adopted Children

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Behavioral and Emotional Issues in Adopted Children

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Adopted children may have behavioral issues ranging from violent tantrums to sensory self-stimulation in times of either stress or excitement.

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Criminal

Arrest rates for male former foster children are between 25% & 35%, but have been reported to be over 40%.

Of those arrested, one-quarter to one-half are subsequently convicted.

Arrest rates for women are much lower-about 10%.

Adults who had received foster family care participated in less criminal behavior than those who had been in group care or had been living with relatives.

Homelessness

The number of former foster children among the homeless may suggest that efforts have fallen short to provide some sort of transition to independence for those who age out of foster care. Or it may suggest something else entirely, such as that children sent to foster homes have severe problems that make them vulnerable to homelessness, or that the foster care experience is debilitating in a way that leaves them unable to function independently, or that they lack family support networks to provide them with housing in a crisis. The exact link between foster care and homelessness is not known.

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Arrest rates for male former foster children are between 25% & 35%, but have been reported to be over 40%. Of those arrested, one-quarter to one-half are subsequently convicted. Arrest rates for women are much lower-about 10%. Adults who had received foster family care participated in less criminal behavior than those who had been in group care or had been living with relatives.

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Because foster care takes a huge toll on children making sure that they know they are loved can really make a positive impact on there life. 

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Because foster care takes a huge toll on children making sure that they know they are loved can really make a positive impact on there life. 

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How to Make Sure Your Foster Child Feels Loved

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Making sure that your foster child feels loved is one of the most important things to do as a resource parent. Often, it can be an uncomfortable situation, as the threat of sudden change looms over each foster child/resource parent relationship. However, the comfort and happiness of any child living

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California’s Students in Foster Care: Challenges and Promising Practices

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The school conditions and educational outcomes California students in foster care experience may be impacted by a range of challenges associated with multiple school moves and barriers to important supports at the school and state levels. Effective processes and policies that span the state’s education system and the foster care system can help create a coordinated web of supports to enhance student outcomes.

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Out of the 400,000 young people who have entered foster care in the United States, 80% have mental health issues. That's a striking percentage, especially when compared to the fact that only 20% of non-foster children have mental health issues within the general population.

These childhood mental health challenges result from so many factors out of the young adult's control, from issues at home to constant change and stress and the level of child abuse or neglect they have suffered. And once children age out of the foster care system, many are unsure how to seek the help they need while also learning to live independently. The child welfare system has not set them up for success in transitioning into adulthood.

From anxiety disorders to other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder to healthcare and behavioral health challenges, the rates of mental illness are a true challenge to all youth in foster care today.

What Contributes to Children's Mental Health?

Our experiences have impacted our minds' health, and that's especially true for young children and youth in foster care.

The goal of the foster care system is positive: to reunite children with their families (or find permanent placements for them when that isn't possible). But even with good intentions, it can be a challenging experience for children, youth, and families that support them.

It's said that being separated from your family is more detrimental to your mental health than living in poverty. Having to leave your home and family members without knowing when you'll return is confusing and scary, and moving from place to place while in the system affects a child's mental, physical, and emotional health.

Before a child goes into foster care, they've likely already experienced trauma. Most children are removed from their homes because of dangerous situations like neglect and abuse.

All of these adverse childhood experiences affect a youth's mental well-being. They must get the mental health resources they need to work through their trauma to live healthy lives.

Which Mental Health Disorders Often Affect Foster Youth?

Every child is different, and the effects of trauma show up in different ways. But several common mental health disorders affect foster youth the most.

Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often the result of a child's traumatic past or present (abuse or neglect in the household, moving from foster home to foster home, etc.). Sometimes youth experience eating disorders, social phobias, and attachment issues too.

Symptoms you may observe in a child suffering from PTSD include?

Trouble sleeping

Hyperventilation (Breathing quickly)

Feeling tense, nervous, or restlessness

Higher heart rate than would be expected in a child

Unable to control worrying thoughts

Gastrointestinal Problems (stomach ache)

Avoidance of things that will trigger anxiety

Sweating / Trembling

Being restless or tense and of causes nervous

Several anxiety disorders do excite. Here is a list of a few:

Agoraphobia

Anxiety disorder around medical conditions

Generalized anxiety disorder

Panic disorders

Specific phobias

Social phobia

Selective mutism

Here is a link to dive into more detail about these Anxiety disorders:

Please seek help from your mental health professional if you believe that these conditions interfere with your life or if you have feelings of hurting yourself or others.

They will be able to help you find a solution to your challenges.

How does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affect a Foster child?

Many times issues might show up in a child's behavior: maybe they're more violent or defiant, with anger being normal during such a high-charged and confusing time.

Symptoms you may observe in a child suffering from an Anxiety disorder include?

Depression

Hypervigilance

Anger towards self or others

Flashbacks

Challenges with the focus within the school

Physical illness is a manifestation of mental pain turning into physical ailments.

Isolation and challenges to connect with people

Here is a link to learn more about PTSD

Even though these behaviors and disorders are things foster youth often deal with, this doesn't mean these issues are their fault. To begin to heal, they need access to mental health services and a community of people to support them.

How Is the Problem Being Tackled?

It's known that children in foster care have mental health issues that desperately need attention. Unfortunately, not enough is being done to fix the problem.

There are standards for the foster care system, and states are supposed to address the needs of foster care youth so they get the care they need.

A portion of the states are doing this, but others are not. 91% of states are not meeting the needs of foster youth, with only a handful of U.S. states meeting the expectations.

Some states do screenings and assessments that help them figure out what foster care children need. However, they aren't following through and connecting the children with mental health help.

This issue has been going on for a long time, and in many cases, the services that would help foster youth aren't available to them. With many foster youth showing signs of mental health problems very young in life, these issues worsen with time if they aren't addressed.

Luckily, people are becoming more and more vocal about how important mental health is for foster youth. They're using their voice to make positive change happen before youth age out of Foster care, and healthcare access is diminished.

How Can You Help?

If you're wondering how to help foster youth, there are a couple of crucial ways to get involved.

One of the best ways is to become a foster parent yourself. States across the country always need people to foster children so they have a safe place to stay while the details of their guardianship are sorted out.

As a foster parent, you can help a child access the mental health services they might need, including counseling and therapy. Connecting them with someone who can share coping strategies will allow them to begin to deal with their trauma in a helpful and informed way.

Plus, being there as a supportive listener for your foster child and ensuring their needs are met will help them.

Another way to help America's foster youth is to become an advocate for them. Spread facts about mental health in foster youth to others to explain what's happening and encourage people to find ways to address the problem.

Support the Mental Health of Foster Care Youth

Foster care affects children in different ways, and this effect is often positive. A safe and loving home environment does wonder for the mental health of foster care children, and by being a foster parent, you can help provide this.

As a foster parent, you're given all of the training and support you need to help your foster child flourish.

Fostering is a meaningful and rewarding experience that opens so many hearts.

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent in Virginia or have questions you'd like answered, reach out to us today. Foster VA is here to support you through the entire fostering process.

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Facts About Mental Health In Foster Care

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Understanding Mental health in children in Foster Care is so important for their success.

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Being in foster care and waiting for adoption can be very stressful for a child. Many have faced significant challenges, including emotional or physical abuse, leaving them feeling fearful and insecure. The transition to foster care can be confusing as they cope with loss while trying to adapt to new environments. The uncertainty of not knowing when they will find a permanent home can lead to anxiety, highlighting the need for consistent support and stability during this difficult time.

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The Mental Health Effects of Living in Foster Care

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The difficulties of living in foster care can take a significant toll on children’s mental and behavioral health. Learn more about mental health in foster care.

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Children who have experienced a stressful environment or have endured traumatic past experiences are often at risk of facing significant behavioral and emotional challenges, both during their time in foster care and even after being adopted. These challenges may manifest as difficulties in attachment, trust issues, or outbursts of anger and frustration, all rooted in their previous hardships. The transition to a new home can be particularly overwhelming, as these children grapple with their past while trying to adapt to new circumstances, making their emotional journey complex and often tumultuous.

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6 ways schools can help foster students succeed

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One in four children in foster care show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, and frequent moves and school changes can further impair achievement.

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Children in foster care often face unique challenges that can hinder their academic progress. Due to their experiences and the emotional strain they are under, many of these children find themselves struggling with comprehension skills and overall learning. The instability of their circumstances can lead to difficulties in focusing and fully engaging with educational material. As a result, they frequently lag behind their peers, making it even more crucial to provide them with the support they need to thrive in a nurturing learning environment.