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Children In Foster Care Essay

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In the United States there are over a half a million children in the foster care system. (AFCARS Report, 2015) The foster care system is a temporary arrangement for children whose parents are not able to care for them. (adopt.org) Foster care can be arranged through the courts or a social service agency. The goal for a child in the foster care system is usually reunification with the birth family, but may be changed to adoption when this is seen as in the child's best interest. There are many factors for children entering foster care such as high rates of poverty, community violence, unemployment, incarceration, substance abuse, drug abuse or child neglect. They are most likely removed from their homes to avoid them from immediate physical harm.
Children in the foster …show more content…

Children can also experience grief, due to the loss of relationship with their natural parents. When a child experiences a change in their environment they are faced with emotional and psychological challenges. Many children show signs of depression, withdrawal and even aggression. (Chipungu, S) Attachment disorders in some children may cause disturbance of sleep, hoarding food, excessive eating, self-stimulation and failure to thrive. One study found that almost 60 percent of young children in foster care were at a high risk for a developmental delay or neurological impairment. (Child Trends) In Social Work practice, help meeting the needs of the children and families in the foster care system is our primary goal. Social Workers play a major role in finding replacement homes, qualified foster parents and coordinating resources for families. Clinicians are under the impression at times that the foster care system is a short-term fix for children but sometimes it become a long-term solution. These challenges are worth studying because it is important to be aware of the needs of young children in foster

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