The Foster Care System - Research Paper Example

? Effects of the Foster Care System on the Development of Youth Introduction Foster care refers to a system where a minoror individual below the age of 18 is placed in a group home, public institution, or private owned home under the care of a person certified by the state to provide this care. Youth development entails the process all youth undergo in the attempt of meeting and satisfying their basic needs and social needs. This paper will critique foster care and the effects it has on youth development. Discussion In foster care, the caregiver is referred to as the foster parent. The state or social services institution mandated by the state arrange the placement of the child. As a relief, the group home, institution or private home receive compensation for the expenses arising from the arrangement. The foster parent acts as the legal guardian of the minor and makes all decisions concerning the minor’s welfare. Youth development encompasses the youths’ sense of societal belonging, personal safety, spiritual grounding and the ability to build and nurture skills of socio economic value to both the youth and the society. These skills and competencies allow the individuals to be self reliant and lead productive lives. Youth development is therefore described as the steps or processes an individual takes from early childhood to adulthood. The journey involves the people, environment and circumstances around the youth. People can range from family, friends, community or acquaintances while the environment may relate to the physical conditions surrounding the individual and affecting the child’s livelihood, and mental and physical health. Halverson and Bienenfeld (2011) reiterate that, “Sociologists note that a young individual is not able to hone and build productive competencies and skills, acquire security, moral values and spiritual grounding unless the individual’s family and close community supports him or her and accords the opportunities relevant for growth” (p.6). The community and family therefore play a significant role in youth development. Overall, youth development is a mixture of people and places combined with opportunities and supports with the overall effect of molding the metamorphosis from childhood to adulthood optionally towards good health, success and happiness. According to Kalland and Pensola (2001), “The primary and often sole cause for foster care is the provision of a protective intervention for placement out of the youth’s customary home due to the risks the youth faces at his or her customary home” (p. 13). Foster care therefore seeks placement for youths away from the negative effects and risks prevalent at their homes through relocation and change in care givers. These risks include domestic violence, child abuse, acts of aggression both psychological and physical, inability of biological parents or guardians to meet basic human needs of the youth, desertion or death of the guardians. Hadfield and Preece (2008) note that, “Studies have shown that there is a high correlation between individuals raised in foster care and high rates of psychiatric and physical morbidity as compared to those who were raised at homes by their biological parents or family members” (p.171). Individuals who have been through foster care exhibit inability to trust tendencies which can lead to the breaking down of placements. In a particular study, adults who passed through foster care had double the rates of depression as the general population, and when compared to combat veterans, the same group was found to have higher rates of post traumatic stress disorder than the veterans. Furthermore, psychoanalysts credit foster care with a higher probability of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. Also, children in foster care have higher than normal rates of deficits in executive functioning and anxiety. Developmental problems are a common occurrence and in adulthood these individuals experience higher frequencies of poverty, homelessness, imprisonment and suicidal tendencies. Many psychologists believe that placement in foster care is more detrimental to individuals than remaining in troubled homesteads. McCormick, (2010) states that, “Foster care has been determined to affect the physical and mental health of individuals who have passed through foster care.” Various studies indicate that foster care has negative effects on both the mental and physical well being/ health of individuals. In many cases, children are introduced to foster care very early in their lives, a period which health experts believe is formative and the development of mental and psychological processes in the central nervous system is at its peak. McCormick, (2010) asserts that, “The most critical events in this development occur during the first three or four years and the full development of the human brain is achieved at the age of 25.” The development process involves complex functions and activities; cognitive, hormonal changes, personality traits and responses to stress. These are all influenced by the physical and social surrounding affecting the individual’s emotional patterns and psychological trains of thought. Negative environmental factors such as lack of stimulation of the development processes, emotional neglect, inadequate nutrition, violence and aggression can cause disruption in brain functions and growth during the formative years. Jekielek, Moore and Hair (2009), note that, “In neurodevelopment, the processes of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, arborization, and myelinzation can be adversely affected by influences arising from the environments that are negative” (p.2). The malformation of neurons and abnormal functionality that results can render the individual mentally impaired for the rest of his or her life as the regeneration of cells and tissues is dependent on the proper development of cellular infrastructure and processes. In most cases, the neuro chemical processes that are involved and essential for healthy neurodevelopment are largely dependent on healthy and close knit relationships and nurturing environment. Jekielek, Moore and Hair (2002) state that, “Analysts have established that children in foster care have higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, in comparison to children who are raised by their biological parents” (p.5). Medical practitioners further add that excess or high levels of this hormone have the tendency of compromising the immune system by weakening it. During this critical period (before the ages of three or four), negative environmental factors have profound effects on the development of neurons of the individual and can cause permanent impairment. The environment can have effects on the growth and development of genes. Jirtle and Skinner (2010) assert that, “Through epigenetic mechanisms, the environment can influence gene expression leading to trans-generational epigenetic effects.” For example, environmental influences, such as deprivation of the maternal bond, stress and violence/ child abuse, have been known to result in the inability or hindrance in the transfer of information from between generations is affected. Epigenetic inheritance as it is commonly referred to enables the transfer of information, physiological and behavioral from one generation to the next. Jirtle and Skinner (2010) add that, “Researchers have in the recent past determined a direct correlation between the effects of epigenetic inheritance and the environmental factors experienced by the parents and grandparents.” In recent years, the behavioral and physiological tendencies and characteristics that were in the past attributed to Mendelian inheritance have been established to be indeed resulting from epigenetic inheritance transcending generations. This means that behavioral and psychological patterns developed by an individual responding from the negative influences around him or her or in the individual’s environment will not only affect the individual but will transcend to the individuals’ children and grandchildren through epigenetic inheritance. Subsequent generations are therefore subject to the existing influences their predecessor has faced. The implication of this inheritance is that stress, deprivation and poor development associated with foster care results in detrimental effects not only on the individual’s cognitive, mental and physical health but also affects the subsequent generations. Neigh et al. (2009) states that, “Studies show that the adult offspring of persons who have undergone traumatic experiences in their lifetime and predominantly in their childhood have a higher than average risk factor of suffering from post traumatic stress disorder” (p.389). The offspring share equal susceptibility to the disorder as their parents. Low levels of the hormone cortisol are closely linked to parental post traumatic stress disorder especially inherited from the maternal side. Yehuda and Bierer (2007) state that, “This fact contradicts the normal tendency of cortisol levels to rise after the exposure to stress tensor” (p.121). This deviance is attributed to the involvement and effect of the epigenetic mechanisms. Cases of post traumatic stress disorder in children are higher amongst children who are in foster care than in conventional homes. With reasonable deduction, it can be stated that the higher rates of post traumatic stress disorder in foster care is as a direct result of higher instances of aggression, violence and child abuse the youths experience or witness. The parent to children bond is stronger in families that share biological and cultural ties. Yehuda and Bierer (2007) add, “One of the reasons that youths in foster care experience increased acts of aggression and violence can closely be linked to the absence or the weakness of the parental/ guardian to children bond” (p. 123). Guardians in foster establishments have a tendency of being less empathetic, considerate and holding lower levels of affection for their foster children. In some cases the children are perceived as strangers and are not fully accepted as members of the family or even human beings. The system of governance and social welfare agencies have little reach to dictate the day to day running of each and every homestead or foster establishment. The youths under this form of care are therefore not shielded from traumatic experiences whether experienced first hand or witnessed. Wagner and Wonacott (2008) note that, “Children in foster care are less likely to speak up and report to authorities and social services the occurrences of their foster residents” (p.6). This is due to the inherent fear of losing the improved care accorded to them when compared to orphanages, shelters or even homelessness. Suppression of emotions and knowledge of traumatic events may benefit the minor in short term since the minor will not suffer any loss of residence. However, deep rooted emotions of despair, depression, anger, agitation and frustration will form and scar the individual’s mental health. Without speaking up, the youth is left untreated and psychological disorders and mental illnesses develop and become more complicated to cure with age. Youths in foster care are more likely to develop eating disorders than those in conventional homes. Casey (2009) elucidates that, “A study conducted in the United Kingdom showed that a considerable percentage (slightly below 40%) exhibited signs of increase in their index for body mass (BMI) upon the youths joining foster care programs” (p.3). The increase of Body Mass Index upon joining foster care can be attributed to the change of environment the youth faces. A change in environment, especially where most of the changes impose increased stress factors due to unfamiliarity and discomfort, causes spontaneity in actions and spontaneous channels to the negative energy. One such channel is through unnecessary eating. Another eating disorder closely associated with foster care is Hyperphagic Short Stature Syndrome (HSS). Casey (2009) adds that, “The main characteristic of this condition is short stature that results from the insufficient production of the growth hormone, a characteristic excessive appetite and disabilities in learning that are mild” (p.5). HSS is believed to be genetically caused though its onset and prevalence is associated with the exposure to environments that have higher than average psychological and social stresses. These effects are common in children in foster homes. The condition improves upon the removal of the causative agents or negative environmental factors. Food maintenance syndrome is a condition where children in foster care develop excessive eating habits without the expected obesity. Children suffering from this syndrome do not exhibit symptoms of obesity and are said to possess food acquisition and food maintenance trends or behavioral patterns. The condition is hypothesized to result from maltreatment and exposure to high stress levels of children. Neigh et al. (2009) notes that, “Researchers estimate that the eating disorder, Bulimia nervosa is seven times as prevalent in individuals who were formally children in foster care than those raised in conventional homes” (p. 389). This disorder is primarily characterized by the patient or individual binge eating and then purging. Bulimia nervosa shares similar characteristics with anorexia though the latter is more life threatening. A point to note is that patients diagnosed with Bulimia nervosa also exhibit sexual promiscuity, overspending, impulsivity, family histories of substances abuse and eating disorders. Holtmaat and Svoboda (2009) state that, “A large percentage of children maltreated have been found to develop disorganized attachment” (p. 647). Examples of maltreatment include psychological neglect, physical neglect, sexual abuse, aggression and physical abuse. Negative experiences with any of the above can lead the development of psychiatric problems. Often, these children experience trauma resulting from the physical and psychological abuse inflicted upon the children by their care givers. A consequence of traumatic experiences in early childhood is the stunted development and absence of secure attachment. The risk of such children developing disorganized attachment is high. Holtmaat and Svoboda (2009) note that, “Disorganized attachment is characterized by anxiety, anger and depression all of which are problems that arise in development of the individual’s neurotic responses (p. 653). Hormonal and chemical changes in the central nervous system during the formative years of any individual can adversely affect the behavioral and psychological characteristics of an individual. Stress factors and unease within one’s surrounding, a common event in children placed in foster care, can lead to the development of anti social personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by impulsivity, inability to meet financial and other obligations, lack of remorse and empathy for actions committed, inability to learn from past experiences, depression and parasitism (i.e. the individual is incapable of self sustenance and is often dependent on others). This disorder results in inability to communicate effectively with other members of the society. The individual is incapable of maintaining a job due to the inability of taking and meeting obligations and this often leads to unemployment. Neigh et al. (2009) asserts that, “Research estimates that, in the United States, upon the attainment of the age of 18, half the number of foster kids becomes homeless” (p.390). A considerable number of these children engage in criminal activities and face incarceration more than once in their lifetimes. In fact 30 percent of all homeless persons in the United States are former foster care youths. Statistics indicate that persons with a history of foster care have a tendency to become homeless at an earlier age than the average person and the length of time under which a person is termed homeless increases if that person was formerly in foster care. In addition, former foster care individuals comprise the bulk of persons living below the poverty line. Another effect of foster care on youth development is the rate of suicide and deaths. Children who are in foster care or had a history of foster care when growing up have an increased risk of suicide and this risk is prevalent long after the individual has left foster care. The risk of suicide amongst foster care individuals is higher than the risk of suicide amongst the general population. Suicidal attempts are common among the youth who are in foster care as a result of lack of self worth, chronic depression and frustration. Harri-Sims (2006) asserts that, “Repressed anger without the relief of psychiatric treatment aggravates the likelihood of an individual committing suicide” (p. 5). Foster care youths are four to five times more likely to be hospitalized for suicide attempts than the average youths. The youths who are the most dismal in any of their classifications are those who have been in foster care for an extended duration of time. Also, individuals who were in their childhood clients of welfare programs and received social protection are considered to be of higher risk in terms of suicide attempts and severe psychiatric impairment and morbidity. Harri-Sims, (2006) notes that, “Death rate amongst former foster care recipients is higher than the national average for the same age group across different countries” (p.11). The higher mortality rate is partly as a result of substance abuse, the occurrence of accidents, ill health and suicide. The death that result from ill health are predominantly caused by severe, chronic and acute complications arising from neuro-developmental delays as children in foster care. Another cause of death is grievous bodily harm inflicted through physical aggression, neglect and exposure to physical extremities leading to improper functioning of body organs and irreparable damage to tissue. Extremities may include cold temperatures, prolonged hunger and exhaustion. Deaths arising from bodily harm such as violent attacks and assault have been common though these are isolated incidents as they are extreme and evident. The academic performance of foster care children has been documented as being below average and dismal. Barth et al. (2010) states that, “Majority of foster care youths tend to underachieve in academics and a reasonable number fail to complete high school” (p.3). However, school drop outs and dismal performance may be caused by a variety of factors dependent on the individual and the environment prevalent at the time. For instance, poor grades can be attributed to discomfort in the domestic setting or foster premise leading to mental and emotional preoccupation. The individual is unable to accord his or her studies the full/ optimum levels of concentration and dedication required. Other factors may compete with academics for energy and time resource. Barth further states that, “Juvenile pregnancy, employment and substance abuse compete with academics and school attendance for the individual’s time and energy resources” (2010, p.3). Girls in foster care who become mothers are likely to lose the support of their foster care givers. As a resolve, the underage mother has to seek employment to sustain herself and her child. In addition, teenagers may not receive full support from their foster care givers and through local domestic agreement are required to provide for their own sustenance. The foster child therefore has to balance between academics and earning a living. Substance abuse negatively affects academic performance. This is through the preoccupation and disruption of normal functioning of the brain. Addictions can lead to school drop outs as priorities change to cater for the individual’s addictions. Furthermore, incarceration that can result from use of controlled and illegal substances can hamper ones efforts of attending school. Conclusion Foster care has an assortment of effects on the development of youths. Majority of these effects are negative and highlight a dire need for reform in social services and child welfare. While the overall structure of foster care is designed to benefit the foster children, detrimental effects of foster care programs have proven to outweigh its benefits. A key area of interest is the compromise made on the mental health of foster care recipients and the repercussions later in their lives. Reference List Barth, P., Greeson, K., Zlotnik, R. & Chintapalli, K. (2010) Evidence-Based Practice for Youth in Supervised Out-of-Home Care: A Framework for Development, Definition, and Evaluation. The Journal of Evidence Based Practice in Social Work, in press. Casey, J. (2009). The Adolescent Brain: New Research and its Implications for Young People Transitioning From Foster Care. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from http://www.jbcc.harvard.edu/advocacy/Executive%20Summary%20%20on%20%20Adolescent%20Brain%20Development%20Jim%20Casey%20Youth%20Opportunities%20InitiativeFinal%20090611.pdf Halverson, L. & Bienenfeld, D. (2011). Drugs Diseases and Procedures. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290686-overview Hadfield, C. & Preece, M. (2008). Obesity in Looked After Children: Is Foster Care Protective from the Dangers of Obesity? 34(6), 710–712 Harri-Sims, D. (2006). Foster Youth Emancipation: Implications of Resiliency, Independence and Responsibility, Capella University. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from http://www.bookpump.com/dps/pdf-b/9426838b.pdf Holtmaat, A. & Svoboda, K. (2009). Experience-Dependent Structural Synaptic Plasticity in the Mammalian Brain. Nature reviews. Neuroscience, 10 (9), 647–58. Jekielek, S., Moore, K., & Hair, E. (2002). Mentoring programs and youth development: A synthesis. Washington, DC: Child Trends. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from http://12.109.133.224/Files/MentoringSynthesisFINAL2.6.02Jan.pdf Jirtle, L. & Skinner, K. (2010) Environmental Epigenomics and Disease Susceptibility. Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17363974 Kalland, M. & Pensola, H. (2001). Mortality in Children Registered in the Finnish Child Welfare Registry: Population Based Study, BMJ. 323(7306), 207–208. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC35273/?tool=pmcentrez Dysthymic Disorder McCormick, B. (2010). Mentoring Children in Foster Care: Considerations and Partnership Strategies for Senior Corps. Directors Corporation for National and Community Service. Retrieved from http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/files/legacy/filemanager/download/learns/Mentoring_Children_in_Foster_Care_Final_Revised.pdf Neigh, N., Gillespie, F. & Nemeroff, B. (2009). The Neurobiological Toll of Child Abuse and Neglect. Trauma, Violence & Abuse 10 (4), 389–410 Skinner, M.K., Manikkam, M. & Guerrero-Bosagna, C. (2010). Epigenetic Trans-generational Actions of Environmental Factors in Disease Etiology. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848884/?tool=pmcentrez Wagner, J.O. & Wonacott, M.E. (2008). Youth Aging out of Foster Care. Learning Work Connection. Retrieved from http://cle.osu.edu/lwc-publications/youth-information-briefs/downloads/Youth-Aging-Out-of-Foster-Care.pdf Yehuda, R. & Bierer, L.M. (2007). Trans-Generational Transmission of Cortisol and PTSD Risk. Progress in Brain Research. 167, 121–135 Read More