Many of the children and adolescents who enter into foster care have complicated and severe medical, mental, oral, and psychosocial health issues. Psychological and emotional trauma rooted in early childhood experiences is particularly common and can be linked to serious impacts on later development throughout adolescence and adulthood. Furthermore, the many medical and mental health problems faced by youth in foster care are compounded by a lack of adequate access to health services.
On average, 4 out of every 5 children and adolescents enter foster care with serious mental health issues1?
Psychosocial issues rooted in family dysfunction are prevalent among youth in foster care and while the statistics for long-term outcomes for young adults raised in foster care are insufficient, data collected across the nation seems to suggest that they experience higher rates of mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and lower educational attainment1.
NFYI is committed to raising awareness of issues pertaining to the health and well-being of current and former foster youth. Through grassroots organizing and working with Members of Congress, we seek to reform the child welfare system to provide foster youth and families with better access to healthcare services.
Sources:
1Health Care Issues for Children and Adolescents in Foster Care and Kinship Care (2015) http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/e1131
2Foster Youth Statistics-The Need, Sanctuary of Hope httpesoh.org/about-us/foster-youth-statistics-need/
Help us make sure foster youth receive adequate
healthcare and medical attention.