Just how broken is the American foster care system?

Posted Dec. 11, 2022

By Kaylin Saechao 

Cub Reporter

Just how broken is the American foster care system?  The foster care system has been glamourized on many accounts, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t aware of the other aspects. It isn’t much news to any that the system is failing. The amount of negative traumatic experiences from those whom were in or are the system have been brought to the light to the public eye have increased immensely. The system is supposedly to provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for youth. We see constant articles about the outtakes of youth who were in the system and what they go through. 

The children are often being moved to different homes. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did a research and found that in 2019 it was the fifth consecutive year where the number of children entering foster care had increased. The lack of foster parents had made a national crisis. While there weren’t many the foster parents that were said to be qualified weren’t qualified at all. The lack of training and support had about half of foster parents quit fostering the children after the first year. 

What does “ age out” mean?  Once the children turn 18 they usually “ age out” of foster care. Every year there is about 20,000 foster children who age out of the system.  Now with this the young adults attempt to build a life of their own, but face many challenges such as finacial, school, mental health, and etc. Youth in foster care who have aged out most of the time don’t have that support and end up facing more problems throughout their lives and eventually feeling lost.

The instability in the system takes a toll on the children and their view on a long-term future.  “No Place like Home: The US Foster Care System is Broken.” article states that “ 21 percent of former foster youth develop Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder, as opposed to a mere 4 percent of the general adult population,” The system should uphold a reliable and stable system to support the building of bonds with children and providing a loving home. 

Can we change the picture? Is there a possibility to improve? There is much room for improvement and to change the picture positively for those who are put into foster care. May is National Foster Care Awareness month. It was established in 1988 to raise awareness of the needs of the children in foster care. Every child deserves a safe and loving place to call home where they feel stable and supported.