Discussion Response- Parental Struggles- Coping with the Challenges of Foster Care Placement

Discussion Response- Parental Struggles- Coping with the Challenges of Foster Care Placement

Hello Lacy Sena,

            Thank you for your post. I agree with you that being uprooted from their life and placed in unfamiliar conditions with strangers is a major challenge for foster children. Being placed in foster care means having new people around you, sometimes even going to a new school, meaning that even one’s friends are not around as well. Further, being moved from one foster home to another can lead the children to socially isolate themselves because they do not want to keep losing their loved ones (Dozier, 2005).

Secondly, I also agree with you that one of the biggest challenges for a bio parent with children in foster care is losing the child. Having one’s child taken away can cause feelings of grief, anxiety, shame, and worry for the parent, in addition to the stigma from the community. Further, you were also right that being emotionally overwhelmed is a common and significant challenge for foster parents. Sometimes, children can come with trauma, or they can be withdrawn, which makes it difficult for a foster parent to bond and learn how to care for the child.

References

Dozier, M. (2005). Challenges of foster care. Attachment & human development, 7(1), 27-30.

Hello Joan Klein,

Great post. I agree with you that trauma can make it hard for a child placed in foster care to bond and trust other people, especially strangers. I also believe that children in foster care can face the challenge of trying to stay loyal to their family or to bind with the new family. Suppose the foster family is nothing but caring and loving to them; bonding with this new family can feel like a betrayal to their family, and this emotional conflict can be taxing. Secondly, I concur that losing a child to a foster case is difficult for the biological parents, in addition to possibly losing the trust the child has in you as well. A parent is supposed to take care of a child, and for the government to intervene and take that child away can break the parent-child bond, which can prove hard to rebuild later on. Lastly, yet importantly, it is true that being a foster parent is challenging in that there will always be the fear that one can bond with a child under their care only for them to later on leave (McWey, Acock & Porter, 2010). Further, some children placed in one’s care can be challenging, especially if they have experienced trauma. Without experience or support on how to take care of such a child, it can be stressful for any foster parent.

References

McWey, L. M., Acock, A., & Porter, B. E. (2010). The impact of continued contact with biological parents upon the mental health of children in foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 32(10), 1338-1345.

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Lacy Sena

1. Challenges of being in foster care:

From the child/youth’s perspective, the primary challenge is the disruption of their family and life. According to an article by Troutman, et al. (2000), they may feel a sense of loss, confusion, and fear about their future. They might struggle with the unfamiliar environment, new rules, and different routines. Additionally, they may feel stigmatized due to their status as a foster child. The lack of consistent relationships and the constant moving from one home to another can also lead to emotional instability and behavioral issues. In addition to these difficulties, foster children often face the stigma associated with being in the foster care system. They may feel isolated or misunderstood by their peers, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and alienation. The lack of stability and consistent relationships can also lead to emotional instability and can result in behavioral issues such as acting out, aggression, or withdrawal.

Discussion Response- Parental Struggles- Coping with the Challenges of Foster Care Placement

2. Challenges of having a child/youth placed in foster care:

From the bio parent’s perspective, the primary challenge is the loss of their child and the inability to provide for them. This can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, and depression. They may also struggle with the stigma associated with having a child in foster care. Additionally, the process of reunification can be emotionally taxing, as they have to meet certain criteria to be able to regain custody.

3. Challenges of being a foster parent:

From the foster parent’s perspective, the primary challenge is dealing with the emotional turmoil of the child/youth. They may have to deal with behavioral issues, trauma, and emotional instability. The process of attachment can also be challenging, as they might not know if the child will be with them permanently. Additionally, they may face societal stigma and a lack of understanding from others about their role as foster parents.

All three perspectives face unique challenges associated with foster care. It’s important for everyone involved to understand these challenges to foster a supportive and empathetic environment.