THE SOCIAL ECOLOGY OF FOSTER CARE: SUPPORTS, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND DEVELOPMENT IN FOSTER CHILDREN
Open Access
Author:
Thomas, Cortney Briana
Area of Honors:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Douglas Michael Teti, Thesis Supervisor Douglas Michael Teti, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Kathryn Bancroft Hynes, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
foster care support roles
Abstract:
Each year in the United States, foster care affects 800,000 children (Weinberg, 2007). These children face several developmental risks and are in need of supportive relationships to promote better development (Harden, 2004). Kahn and Antonucci (1980) found that supportive relationships are important to an individual’s well-being. This paper discusses the importance of supportive relationships for foster children through a review of available literature. The first section provides an introduction to foster care. Next, Kahn and Antonucci’s findings about social support are discussed and applied specifically to foster children. The third section covers why stability is critical for these children. In the fourth section, the author shares her personal experience as a former foster child. Then several recommendations for protective child services and foster parents are given about specific ways to provide support for foster children. Finally, the conclusion addresses limitations in studying foster children. The paper ends by pointing to the value in supporting a foster child.