The Relation Between Children Raised in Foster Care and Increased Difficulties in Adulthood
Children who grow up in the foster care system typically face many adverse experiences. These adverse experiences may create complications for these children as they become young adults. In particular, growing up in the foster care system may predict an increased risk for developing mental health issues and substantial insecurity as they approach adulthood. This presentation will review four foster care research themes relating to mental health challenges and instability in young adulthood. First, placement instability in foster care may increase the chances of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Next, substance abuse in children within foster care may exacerbate the risk of their developing Substance Use Disorder. Additionally, children in foster care and older adolescents aging out of foster care, may experience homelessness at an increased rate compared to children who were not in foster care. Lastly, children in foster care may be at higher risk for developing comorbid mental health disorders in addition to their initial mental health diagnosis. Researchers have found that children placed in foster care often have difficulty developing relationships with their foster parents, teachers, and peers from school, due to the likelihood of their being frequently moved to different home placements. Researchers have also reported that children in foster care are more likely to use illegal drugs when compared to children who have not been in the foster care system. Future directions for research will also be discussed in the presentation, including the need to explore drug prevention programs for children in foster care and placement stability.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
10 – 10:30 AM