Hambrick, E. P., Oppenheim-Weller, S., N'zi, A. M., & Taussig, H. N. (2016). Mental health interventions for children in foster care: A systematic review. Children and Youth Services Review, 70, 65-77. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.09.002
This article focuses on reviewing the studies conducted to establish interventions for mental health issues in children aged 1-12 years. It establishes that children in foster care, have a high risk of developing mental health issues due to the adverse condition that they live in, hence recommends that further research should be conducted to establish effective interventions to address these issues.
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Waid, J., Kothari, B. H., Bank, L., & McBeath, B. (2016). Foster care placement change: The role of family dynamics and household composition. Children and Youth Services Review, 68, 44-50. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.06.024
This article examines how family dynamics affect the odds of a foster care child experiencing placement change in one and a half years. Children who are separated from their siblings during placement have a high likelihood of experiencing placement changes. Moreover, the article indicates that family composition has a significant effect on composition changes.
Steenbakkers, A., Ellingsen, I. T., & Van der Steen, S. (2017). Psychosocial Needs of Children in Foster Care and the Impact of Sexual Abuse. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27(4), 1324-1335. doi:10.1007/s10826-017-0970-7
According to this article, children in foster care do not mostly want an emotional connection with their foster parents, but instead, prefer having a professional relationship. Also, these children have different priority needs and to some safety and self-esteem are important, while to others a sense of belonging and self-actualization are essential. They also have diverse sexual abuse experiences.
Rogers, J. (2016). ‘Different’ and ‘Devalued’: Managing the Stigma of Foster-Care with the Benefit of Peer Support. British Journal of Social Work, bcw063. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcw063
In this article, the findings of a study are presented, which indicate that foster care children experience different levels of stigma. Such children, however, find support from there peers who are in foster care hence forming in-groups which provide a sense of belonging. It is, therefore, crucial for society to support and foster friendships among these children, to enable them to manage stigma effectively.
Li, D., Chng, G. S., & Chu, C. M. (2017). Comparing Long-Term Placement Outcomes of Residential and Family Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 152483801772642. doi:10.1177/1524838017726427
In this review of three meta-analysis studies, it is indicated that the life experiences of residential care. The three parameters used to determine these differences are the perception of care, externalizing behaviours and internalizing behaviors. Children in foster care also have fewer problems. There are however different factors that influence the differences between foster care and residential care including the length of care.
Turney, K., & Wildeman, C. (2016). Mental and Physical Health of Children in Foster Care. Paediatrics, 138(5), e20161118. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1118
This article is a summary of research conducted to compare the physical and mental health status of children who are not under foster care and those who are under foster care. The mental and physical health status of children in foster care is poor, and therefore, children in foster care are a vulnerable population, caused by their early life experiences.
Ramsay-Irving, M. (2015). The Foster Care Systems are Failing Foster Children: The Implications and Practical Solutions for Better Outcomes of Youth in Care. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de la Jeunesse, 7(1), 55. doi:10.29173/cjfy24298
In this article, a review of literature is conducted, and the experiences of foster care children highlighted. Although the primary goal of foster care systems is to better the lives of children and youth, it is unfortunate that these systems are failing the same people who they should be helping. Given the adverse outcomes, foster care systems need to be improved.
Chateauneuf, D., Turcotte, D., & Drapeau, S. (2017). The relationship between foster care families and birth families in a child welfare context: The determining factors. Child & Family Social Work , 23 (1), 71-79. doi:10.1111/cfs.12385
This article is a summary of a study conducted to establish the relationship between the foster family and the birth family of the adopted child. Different factors affect this relationship, some of which include the birth parents’ characteristics, and the foster parent's attitudes. These factors affect the risk of conflicts development between the two parties.
Susana Mariscal, E., Akin, B. A., Lieberman, A. A., & Washington, D. (2015). Exploring the path from foster care to stable and lasting adoption: Perceptions of foster care alumni. Children and Youth Services Review , 55 , 111-120. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.05.017
This article summarizes a study conducted to establish the experiences of foster youths, concerning successful adoption. There are different facilitators as well as barriers for a successful adoption process, all of which may arise from the child, the family and the system. It established the need for changes in the adoption process policies.
Adoption Process
Dinwooodie, A. (2017). Adoption In America: The Good, The Bad, And A Path To Reform. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/adoption-in-america-the-g_b_11111576
Adoption policies in America vary from state to state. However, these policies have not kept up with the changing dynamics of how a family is defined. One of the most controversial policies in the adoption process is the inability of people to have access to their birth certificates, whereas the knowledge of one’s origin is a fundamental human right.
McRoy, R., & Griffin, A. (2012). Transracial Adoption Policies and Practices. Adoption & Fostering, 36(3-4), 38-49. doi:10.1177/030857591203600305
This article addresses the placement policy in the United States, which aimed at increasing the number of minority ethnic adoptions, more specifically the African American children. The Multiethnic Placement Act has however not been as productive as many thought it would be, and as a result the problem of African American children placement still exists in the United States.
Clemetson, L., & Nixon, R. (2006). Overcoming Adoption's Racial Barriers. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/17/us/17adopt.html
The article focuses on racial barriers and the policy put in place to address these adoption barriers in the United States. The Multiethnic Placement Act, which led to changes in the foster care system prohibited the refusal of racial adoption by all Federally financed agencies. Despite this, racial considerations are also utilized in adoption decisions.
Anderson, R. (2014). Adoption, Foster Care, and Conscience Protection. Retrieved from https://www.heritage.org/marriage-and-family/report/adoption-foster-care-and-conscience-protection
A policy that is creating a barrier for a family that wishes to adopt a foster child and those that limit the placement ability of agencies only hinder most foster care children from finding a safe family and home. A policy that aims at increasing the number of adoption agencies is in the best interest of foster care children.
About adoption from foster care. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/adoption-from-foster-care
This article discusses several factors with regards to the adoption process, but one significant policy discussed is the article is the requirement for training for families to receive training before getting approved for adopting foster children. Such a policy ensures that the family is fully prepared to address the physical and mental needs of the child.
The Conflict Perspective
Crossman, A. (2011). What Is Conflict Theory? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/conflict-theory-3026622
This article describes the origins of conflicts in societies and also describes the development of conflict theory by Karl Max. in any society, there are always two classes that are in conflict with each other, that is the minority class and the majority class. The majority are oppressed, while the minority are powerful, and the conflicts arise from the unjust distribution of resources.
Rosset, J. (2019). Conflict Theory - Sociology - Oxford Bibliographies - obo. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199756384/obo-9780199756384-0035.xml
According to this article, the conflict perspective primarily focuses on interests, conflicts, power and coercion. The conflicting interests in societies arise from resource inequalities and structural power divisions. Social change is also an essential aspect in societal settings, as well as domination. However, further conflict-oriented research can significantly inform the interrelationships between individuals and families.
Morin, R. (2014). Conflict Theory. The Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology , 1-4. doi:10.1002/9781118517390.wbetc124
This article explains that there are there are different social groups in a society, but all these groups have a particular thing in common that they agree as either right or wrong. People from the lower social class tend to display antisocial behavior, which is mostly attributed to social and economic inequality. Different groups, however, have different belief and interests.
Credo. (2014). Conflict theory - Credo Reference. Retrieved from https://search.credoreference.com/content/topic/conflict_theory
Conflict theory focuses on social inequalities, and some of the most critical aspects of social inequality are sexuality, class, gender and race. The powerful in societies formulate policies that can support their lifestyles, and anyone who defies these et policies is punished. Those who belong to the deviant group are discriminated upon, and therefore conflict theory provides insights into these aspects.
Simon, R. (2016). The Conflict Paradigm in Sociology and the Study of Social Inequality: Paradox and Possibility. Theory in Action , 9 (1), 1-31. doi:10.3798/tia.1937-0237.16001
The social world is complicated, and sociologists, therefore, use the conflict theory to make a sense out of it. There are limited resources in societal settings, and therefore there is always competition for these resources, hence resulting in conflicts. There are two divisions, that is the winners, and the losers and the losers usually experience tragic consequences and social struggles.
Lalludini, H. (2016). A Review of Three Major Sociological Theories and an Islamic Perspective. International Journal of Islamic Thought , 10 , 8-26. Retrieved from http://www.ukm.my/ijit/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IJIT-Vol-10-Dec-2016_2_8-26.pdf
The society is not a harmonious social system, but rather an arena of conflicts with power playing a significant role in dividing the society. The powerful form systems and policies that enable them foster systems that favor the privileged in the society, while retaining a discriminatory status quo for the less privileged. The family institution is also profoundly affected by these conflicts.
References
About adoption from foster care. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/adoption-from-foster-care
Anderson, R. (2014). Adoption, Foster Care, and Conscience Protection. Retrieved from https://www.heritage.org/marriage-and-family/report/adoption-foster-care-and-conscience-protection
Chateauneuf, D., Turcotte, D., & Drapeau, S. (2017). The relationship between foster care families and birth families in a child welfare context: The determining factors. Child & Family Social Work , 23 (1), 71-79. doi:10.1111/cfs.12385
Clemetson, L., & Nixon, R. (2006). Overcoming Adoption's Racial Barriers. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/17/us/17adopt.html
Credo. (2014). Conflict theory - Credo Reference. Retrieved from https://search.credoreference.com/content/topic/conflict_theory
Crossman, A. (2011). What Is Conflict Theory? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/conflict-theory-3026622
Dinwooodie, A. (2017). Adoption In America: The Good, The Bad, And A Path To Reform. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/adoption-in-america-the-g_b_11111576
Hambrick, E. P., Oppenheim-Weller, S., N'zi, A. M., & Taussig, H. N. (2016). Mental health interventions for children in foster care: A systematic review. Children and Youth Services Review , 70 , 65-77. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.09.002
Lalludini, H. (2016). A Review of Three Major Sociological Theories and an Islamic Perspective. International Journal of Islamic Thought , 10 , 8-26. Retrieved from http://www.ukm.my/ijit/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IJIT-Vol-10-Dec-2016_2_8-26.pdf
Li, D., Chng, G. S., & Chu, C. M. (2017). Comparing Long-Term Placement Outcomes of Residential and Family Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse , 152483801772642. doi:10.1177/1524838017726427
McRoy, R., & Griffin, A. (2012). Transracial Adoption Policies and Practices. Adoption & Fostering , 36 (3-4), 38-49. doi:10.1177/030857591203600305
Morin, R. (2014). Conflict Theory. The Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology , 1-4. doi:10.1002/9781118517390.wbetc124
Ramsay-Irving, M. (2015). The Foster Care Systems are Failing Foster Children: The Implications and Practical Solutions for Better Outcomes of Youth in Care. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de la Jeunesse , 7 (1), 55. doi:10.29173/cjfy24298
Rogers, J. (2016). ‘Different’ and ‘Devalued’: Managing the Stigma of Foster-Care with the Benefit of Peer Support. British Journal of Social Work , bcw063. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcw063
Rosset, J. (2019). Conflict Theory - Sociology - Oxford Bibliographies - obo. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199756384/obo-9780199756384-0035.xml
Simon, R. (2016). The Conflict Paradigm in Sociology and the Study of Social Inequality: Paradox and Possibility. Theory in Action , 9 (1), 1-31. doi:10.3798/tia.1937-0237.16001
Steenbakkers, A., Ellingsen, I. T., & Van der Steen, S. (2017). Psychosocial Needs of Children in Foster Care and the Impact of Sexual Abuse. Journal of Child and Family Studies , 27 (4), 1324-1335. doi:10.1007/s10826-017-0970-7
Susana Mariscal, E., Akin, B. A., Lieberman, A. A., & Washington, D. (2015). Exploring the path from foster care to stable and lasting adoption: Perceptions of foster care alumni. Children and Youth Services Review , 55 , 111-120. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.05.017
Turney, K., & Wildeman, C. (2016). Mental and Physical Health of Children in Foster Care. Pediatrics , 138 (5), e20161118. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1118
Waid, J., Kothari, B. H., Bank, L., & McBeath, B. (2016). Foster care placement change: The role of family dynamics and household composition. Children and Youth Services Review , 68 , 44-50. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.06.024
