Op-Ed: Good intentions are forcing foster kids into bad places (via latimesopinion)
The latest controversy roiling American foster care is all about children forced into inappropriate settings.that across the country “case workers and courts have been funneling children into crowded emergency shelters, hotels, out-of-state institutions and youth prisons — cold, isolating and often dangerous facilities not built to house innocent children for years.”a recent op-ed in the New York Times, “foster youth, especially those of color, are frequently forced to stay in hotels.
Over the last 50 years, the child welfare establishment has come to a consensus: Growing up in an institution is not good for children; every child deserves a family. Orphanages have long been stigmatized and, for the most part, shuttered. Many deserved their bad reputations, but Dickensian assumptions aside, the data are mixed.
Nevertheless, the modern foster care system has been doing all it can to end congregate care except for juvenile offenders or for children who require treatment programs.To meet the goal of family placements, states have mounted elaborate ad campaigns to recruit more parents. In some jurisdictions, nurses and counselors are offered specialized training and increased fees to take in children in need of medical or psychological care in order to keep them from congregate settings.
At the same time, some children, teens especially, don’t want to be fostered or adopted by a family. They may have experienced multiple placements and prefer a group setting to trying to fit once more into a family unit. Some have behavioral problems that torpedo adjusting to family life. According to a 2012 report from the Health and Human Services Child Welfare Information Gateway, “disruption rates”— meaning that a child is adopted and then “returned”— range from about 10% to 25% nationwide.
Despite the “family first” consensus, there is a need for group homes that aren’t hospitals or jails. Nonetheless, the incentives in terms of public relations and public dollars are all on the side of reducing congregate care. Marie Cohen, author of the blog Child Welfare Monitor,
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Bernie Sanders apologizes for negative Joe Biden op-ed penned by surrogateBernie Sanders apologizes for negative Joe Biden op-ed penned by surrogate.
Weiterlesen »
Op-Ed: In going after UCLA, the Trump administration is attempting to chill free speech about IsraelOp-Ed: In going after UCLA, the Trump administration is attempting to chill free speech about Israel (via latimesopinion)
Weiterlesen »
Caring Surgeon Transforms Post-Op Dressings Into ‘Happy Surprises’ for 10K Pediatric PatientsCaring pediatric surgeon Dr. Robert Parry tries to make a happy memory instead of a scary one when his patients wake up from surgery.
Weiterlesen »
Bernie Sanders apologizes for negative Joe Biden op-ed penned by surrogateBernie Sanders apologizes for negative Joe Biden op-ed penned by surrogate.
Weiterlesen »
The business case for diversity is now overwhelming. Here's whyICYMI '...diversity in the workplace is an asset for both businesses and their employees, in its capacity to foster innovation, creativity and empathy in ways that homogeneous environments seldom do.'
Weiterlesen »