Children in foster care : the effect of age and multiple placement disruption on psychopathology

Unfortunately, a large number of children are subjected to abuse or neglect in their family home, rendering such environments unsuitable. Foster care is an alternative living arrangement organised by Child Protection Services provided to some of these maltreated children. In order to advocate for the wellbeing of children in foster care, it is essential to gain insight into the factors that influence psychological adjustment in the foster care system. The present study aimed to explore the influence of multiple placement disruption, reunification, and age, on the psychopathology of children in foster care. The study utilised a clinical sample to compare the severity of symptoms among children in foster care, and children who had never experienced foster care. Findings indicated that overall, children and adolescents who had experienced multiple foster care placements, or had been successfully reunified, demonstrated more severe psychopathological symptoms in comparison to those who had never experienced foster care. Further, externalising symptoms were found to be more prevalent among foster care children than internalising symptoms. Regarding age, no significant difference was found between children and adolescents for the experience of psychopathological problems. Findings and implications for further research are discussed.