| In the United States, a staggering number of children and adolescents reside in the foster care system. Many foster youth, especially those with no goal of reunification or adoption, experience placement instability. Developmental Psychopathology and Attachment Theory describe the impact of these disruptions in attachment formations as being devastating immediately and long-lasting. Development of depression, anxiety, and behavior problems is common, which further effects the formation of stabilizing relationships. Data was gathered in Los Angeles on the mental health of youth entering the foster care system, who were monitored for 1 year following this point. Participants ( n = 46) were ethnically diverse, ranging in age from 6 to 16. Mental health and behavior scales were correlated with placement instability to identify a causal relationship. A trend was identified between externalized behavioral problems and risk for placement instability. Future research studies should include a larger, more diverse sample. |
