This paper reviews five peer-reviewed studies examining critical dimensions of the foster care system in the United States. Topics covered include theoretical frameworks for kinship foster care, the effects of placement instability on children's inhibitory control and oppositional behavior, sibling placement policies and outcomes, the use of ombudsman offices to prevent institutional abuse of foster youth, and the intersection of poverty, child maltreatment, and healthcare gaps for young children in foster care. Together, these studies highlight systemic shortcomings and offer evidence-based insights to guide policy reform and improve child welfare practice.
The following review examines five peer-reviewed studies that address key dimensions of the foster care system, including kinship placement theory, placement instability, sibling policy, institutional abuse prevention, and the health challenges faced by maltreated children living in poverty.
Kang, H. (2007). Theoretical perspectives for child welfare practice on kinship foster care. Families in Society, 88(4), 575–82.
Kinship foster care is defined as "out-of-home placement with relatives of children who are in the custody of state and local child welfare agencies." Numerous studies have been conducted on kinship care, and various policy and practice principles have supported this approach. However, Kang noted that all research and practice and policy supports for kinship care have been conducted without well-conceived theoretical grounding. The main purpose of the paper was therefore to provide expanded theoretical discussions about kinship foster care and the motivations of kin caregivers. The report was written to help researchers organize their findings and guide future research directions by reviewing the various theories regarding kinship foster care.
For example, as social capital theory hypothesizes, African-American extended family culture has demonstrated the advantage of dense social networks and familial continuity of kinship. Some qualitative studies have also reported that kinship care offers children psychological and familial stability and attachment. Further, empirical data have indicated that kin caregivers appear to have more psychological commitment than non-kin caregivers, though this commitment does not necessarily translate into a higher level of investment of kin caregivers' time or human and financial capital. Previous studies show that kin foster caregivers have less financial and human capital and fewer social services than non-kin foster caregivers, which is problematic. Although more research evidence is needed, the study concluded that kinship care cannot be sustained by family duty alone, but requires financial compensation as well.
Lewis, E. E., Dozier, M., Ackerman, J., & Sepulveda-Kozakowski, S. (2007). The effect of placement instability on adopted children's inhibitory control abilities and oppositional behavior. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1415–1427.
The authors examined the impact of placement instability on children's inhibitory control abilities and caregiver-rated behavior, with particular concern about its influence on child oppositional behavior. The study consisted of three groups: children who were never placed in foster care, adopted children with a stable placement prior to adoption, and adopted children who experienced multiple foster placements. The authors hypothesized that children with placement instability as infants and toddlers would demonstrate poorer inhibitory control abilities and more caregiver-rated oppositional behavior at ages five and six compared with children in the other groups.
Consistent with their hypotheses, children with placement instability showed poorer inhibitory control abilities and higher levels of caregiver-rated oppositional behavior compared with both non-adopted children and adopted children with more stable caregiving. These findings suggest that children who have experienced several foster placements are especially at risk for failing to develop proper inhibitory and behavioral control. This deficit can lead to numerous problems, including difficulty adjusting to the demands faced at school. Early caregiving relationships play a critical role in helping children develop self-regulatory abilities, including inhibitory control.
Linares, L. O., Li, M., Shrout, P. E., Brody, G. H., & Pettit, G. S. (2007). Placement shift, sibling relationship quality, and child outcomes in foster care: A controlled study. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(4), 736–743.
"Impact of keeping or separating siblings in placement"
"Ombudsman offices as a check on institutional abuse"
"Poverty, health risks, and gaps in early intervention"
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