Foster care is a program created for the protection of minor children who are residing in an unsafe home environment. Children are removed from their parents' care and temporarily placed with a licensed foster care family. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, there were 463,000 children in foster care in 2008. The causes for foster care placement vary, but the primary goal of every placement is ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
Child Maltreatment
The state may remove a child from his home if the child welfare agent investigating his case determines that he is an abuse victim. According to the Help Guide website, abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Generally, physical abuse leaves behind the most obvious signs of child maltreatment. Some parents justify physically abusive behavior by labeling it discipline. However, discipline should instruct, not intimidate. Physical forms of discipline are abusive if they are unpredictable, out of control and used to create fear in a child.
Sexual abuse is less obvious because there may not be any observable signs. Furthermore, shame and self-loathing frequently keep children from coming forward and asking for help, warns the Help Guide website. However, if a child is being sexually abused, taking him out of a dangerous home environment is essential to his personal safety and future healing.
Emotional abuse includes bullying, terrorizing, isolating and belittling a child. Acts of domestic violence in front of a child is also considered emotionally abusive behavior and grounds for removal from the home.
Neglect
Neglecting a child is another cause for foster care placement. According to the Help Guide website, child neglect is "a pattern of failing to provide for a child's basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene or supervision." Parents may make the mistake of assuming that because they do not strike, molest or verbally attack their children, their negligent behavior is not abusive. However, failing to meet a child's fundamental needs is another form of maltreatment and very detrimental to a child's well-being.
Parental Problems
Sometimes parents choose to voluntarily surrender their children to foster care because of pressing medical or financial concerns. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, severe illness, unemployment and homelessness may necessitate temporary placement. Parents who voluntarily surrender their children are generally very motivated to get them back as soon as possible. A child may reunify with her family once Child Protective Services determines the causes for placement have been resolved.
Special Needs
A child may also be given over to state custody if he has problems that exceed his parents' ability to manage on their own. "About 30 percent of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems," according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Their parents may lack the training or resources needed to provide their children with specialized care.
Children are society's most vulnerable members. Fear and hopelessness may prevent them from seeking help for themselves. If you suspect a child is being neglected or abused, call your local police department or child abuse hotline. You can give your information anonymously. Your actions could save a child's life.
