Working institution
Melissa E. Hall, PhD, LPC, Associate Professor and Department Head of Family and Human Services, John Brown University
Abstract
Reunifying children with their biological families is a primary goal of the United States Foster Care System. However, reunification is typically a long process. Children spend an average of 20 months in foster care. Meeting the needs of foster youth during this critical time is crucial for their well being. The goal of this poster presentation is to provide participants with best practices in caring for youth while in foster care. The results of a qualitative, multi-case study will be presented.
The developmental, educational, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges of foster children continue to be documented. Of the challenges evidenced, externalizing behavioral problems are shown to be particularly problematic. These externalizing behaviors often inflict stress on foster parents, placing the foster child at risk. In fact, foster parents’ inability to manage challenging behaviors is one of the most frequently cited reasons for children to be removed from their foster home and replaced with a different foster family. Studies examining the relationship between multiple foster placements and child well-being link placement instability to an increase in mental health and behavioral issues in foster children. However, research indicates that foster parents are not adequately prepared or trained to address these behaviors. These findings highlight the need for a clearer understanding of how to better prepare foster parents to meet the needs of foster youth.
Founded in a qualitative, constructivist paradigm, this multi-case study examined how foster parents view their knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to fostering children with behavioral problems. Additionally, the study investigated what foster parents perceive they need, or have needed in the past to address these crucial problem areas specific to foster youth. It hoped that the inclusion of these perspectives will allow for policy makers, helping professionals, and developers and facilitators of foster parent training to respond.