Reunification in the Foster Care System
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Reunification in the Foster Care System
Macy White
There is a devastating and profound crisis in the United States foster care system. Guaranteeing a home is deemed safe after children are removed from the home for abuse or neglect is near impossible. Yet, accomplishing rapid permanency after a child is removed from their home is a priority for the child welfare system. But understanding the role of time to reunification in the risk of reentry is difficult. In the present literature review, reunification in the child welfare system is examined through risk factors and determinants in recent research. The research includes findings of foster care and prison, foster care and substance abuse and mental health, and what happens when reunification is not possible. In all states, reunification or some form of permanency is the main goal for children in foster care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported nearly 700,000 children were served by the U.S. foster care system in 2017, almost all of whom have a case goal of permanency through reunification through adoption, or guardianship . Permanency is considered a critical aspect for children in social services and the welfare system. Through this literature review, the complications of the child welfare system is studied. The results indicate a significant need for greater support and services for all children who enter and exit the U.S. welfare system. The findings suggest reunification in a timely manor is the most important aspect of the child welfare system, reentry after reunification is common, and fostered youth looking for families is a complicated journey that may need to be renewed. In addition, youth aging out of the foster care system have significant complications when transitioning to adulthood in our society. All things considered, these young adults need more support through government assistance or other programs.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Social Work and Human Services
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Wade-Berg
Reunification in the Foster Care System
Reunification in the Foster Care System
Macy White
There is a devastating and profound crisis in the United States foster care system. Guaranteeing a home is deemed safe after children are removed from the home for abuse or neglect is near impossible. Yet, accomplishing rapid permanency after a child is removed from their home is a priority for the child welfare system. But understanding the role of time to reunification in the risk of reentry is difficult. In the present literature review, reunification in the child welfare system is examined through risk factors and determinants in recent research. The research includes findings of foster care and prison, foster care and substance abuse and mental health, and what happens when reunification is not possible. In all states, reunification or some form of permanency is the main goal for children in foster care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported nearly 700,000 children were served by the U.S. foster care system in 2017, almost all of whom have a case goal of permanency through reunification through adoption, or guardianship . Permanency is considered a critical aspect for children in social services and the welfare system. Through this literature review, the complications of the child welfare system is studied. The results indicate a significant need for greater support and services for all children who enter and exit the U.S. welfare system. The findings suggest reunification in a timely manor is the most important aspect of the child welfare system, reentry after reunification is common, and fostered youth looking for families is a complicated journey that may need to be renewed. In addition, youth aging out of the foster care system have significant complications when transitioning to adulthood in our society. All things considered, these young adults need more support through government assistance or other programs.