The Foster Care System

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The Foster Care System Shantel Kuntz Brandman University The Foster Care System The foster care system: What is it? Is it beneficial? What are the advantages and disadvantages? These are all questions that many people have when they think about foster care. Some people cringe of just the thought while others embrace it. As we explore these questions we will find that there are some advantages to the foster care system, but we will also find that there are some disadvantages. How is the effectiveness of Foster Care often inhibited? Foster care is often a traumatic time due to the separation of children from their parent. This can cause conflicts and resistance. For this reason it is very important that social workers, foster parents, and natural parents be sensitive and support the child through the separation process. (Crosson-Tower, 2008, p.351) The transitory nature of the foster care system has been seen as a problem especially for children who already have attachment issues. These moves can create even greater problems. (As cited in Crosson-Tower, 2008, p.351). Children in foster care are faced with many adjustments. First they much adjust to the separation, to a different lifestyle, new surroundings, possibly a new school, and the new parent’s own children, neighbors, and friends. Children who are of a different cultural background often lose not only their home but their culture as well. (Crosson-Tower, 2008, p.351) What are the advantages of foster care? One advantage is that it provides an opportunity for diagnostic screening. In these somewhat controlled environments, social workers can asses a child’s development and language skills. With this information they are able to provide appropriate treatment plans. Foster care homes also provide a safe haven for the children, a place void of fear, abuse, and neglect.

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