Define foster care. Describe the various aspects of the current foster care population indicated by the text as noteworthy

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Foster care is the placement of a child in the temporary care of a family other than its own as a result of state intervention into problems that are taking place within the birth family; it can be used as a temporary shelter while a permanent adoption effort is being arranged.
• African American children comprise the largest proportion of children in foster care.
• Over one-quarter of all children in foster care are under age 5.
• Most children are placed in nonrelative foster homes, but substantial numbers are also placed with relatives or in group homes or institutions.
• Of those children exiting foster care, most are reunited with their birth parents or primary caretakers, or are adopted.
• A child is more likely to enter foster care due to neglect than due to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse combined.
• Living within the foster care system can be a trying and emotionally traumatic experience for children.
• It is estimated that somewhere between 30–80% of children in foster care exhibit emotional and/or behavioral problems.
• Many are traumatized by their experiences before entering foster care, while others are troubled by the foster care experience itself.
• Within three months of placement, many children exhibit signs of depression, aggression, or withdrawal.
• Children in foster care are often forced to change schools, placing them at risk educationally.
• Many youths leaving foster care end up in jail or on public assistance.