While the difficulties of foster care remain evident, University at Buffalo researchers believe they are uncovering trends that could help the lives of the nearly 400,000 children living in foster homes.
Annette Semanchin Jones, assistant professor in the UB School of Social Work, spoke with WBFO about research that was recently published in the Journal of Public Child Welfare. The work was co-authored with Dr. Melissa Affronti from Coordinated Care Services Inc. and UB Associate Professor Barbara Rittner.
"One of the significant issues that people have been paying attention to is looking at placement stability for these kids while they're in foster care," Semanchin Jones said. "It's hard to get exact numbers so the rates vary, but the majority of foster youth seem to experience at least one placement disruption so they are moving from placement to placement while in care."
That number could be as high as 90 percent of all foster children. "That placement instability itself can be traumatic for kids in foster care so this might lead to both short-term and long-term negative outcomes for kids," Semanchin Jones said. "Children may act out in response, creating problems that some foster parents aren't equipped to handle. The circle of disruption continues."
Researchers asked foster parents to share their strategies of success. Creating a welcoming atmosphere, Semanchin Jones said, is important. Encouraging the use a personal item, like a special blanket or an article of clothing, can be part of that strategy. Successful foster parents who are known to use language like "this is your home, this is your room," help put children at ease in their new surroundings.
"Another thing they really highlighted is recognize the importance of the foster parents' own family also accepting kids as a member of the whole family. Making sure that their own family members understand and respect that the foster children are there as part of the family," said Semanchin Jones.
May is National Foster Care Month, a time to reflect on the efforts of the professionals and families who put their energy and resources into helping some of society's most vulnerable children. While the lives of foster children can be difficult, Semanchin Jones maintains the indefatigable attitude necessary to help children enjoy safe, productive lives.
"I'm very hopeful. I think that there are a lot of exciting things happening in the field of child welfare that's really offering more supports to foster parents," Semanchin Jones said. "I think all of these things can really help reduce the need to move children from home to home."
