Annotated bibliography

                                    An Annotated Bibliography of Physical and Mental Health Effects of Foster Care:

Foster care is intended to be a vessel for transitioning youth to stability and independence, but too often, the effects on a child’s health physically and mentally after living in care are unknown or not acknowledged. For my bibliography, I looked at five scholarly articles that go in-depth about the mental and physical effects the foster care system leaves on these young adults as they transition out of care and into adult life. This is important to me not only because I have lived experience in foster care but as well as my intended career path will be working with youth in this delicate transitional period that is affected the most by the repercussions of their living situation. All of the articles chosen for my bibliography have a common theme of looking at the health of children in foster care, whether physical or mental. You can see that there is clearly a correlation between mental and physical health problems that coincide with the foster care system.

Mental Health Outcomes of Adults Who Experienced Foster Care: A Systematic Review by Anna M. Kerr, Rachel S. Lipson, and Kathryn M. Forkey 

This article provides a systematic review of the mental health outcomes of adults who experienced foster care. The authors found that adults who experienced foster care are at higher risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The article highlights the need for mental health services for this population.

Physical Health Outcomes of Adults Who Experienced Foster Care: A Systematic Review by Rachel S. Lipson, Anna M. Kerr, and Kathryn M. Forkey 

This article provides a systematic review of the physical health outcomes of adults who experienced foster care. The authors found that adults who experienced foster care are at higher risk for a range of physical health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The article emphasizes the importance of early intervention and preventative care.

The Health of Children in Foster Care by Sara B. Eleoff, Melissa A. Jonson-Reid, and Brett Drake 

 This article examines the health outcomes of children in foster care, including both physical and mental health. The authors found that children in foster care are more likely to have physical health problems such as asthma and dental problems, as well as mental health problems such as behavioral and emotional disorders. The article highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare services for children in foster care.

Foster Care and Health Status by Mary Anne McCabe and Kathryn L. Falwell 

 This article examines the health status of children in foster care and the factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. The authors found that children in foster care are at higher risk for a range of health problems such as developmental delays, injuries, and infectious diseases. The article emphasizes the need for a coordinated healthcare system to address the complex health needs of children in foster care.

The Mental Health of Children in Foster Care by Mary R. McLeod and David J. Nelson 

 This article examines the mental health outcomes of children in foster care and the factors that contribute to poor mental health. The authors found that children in foster care are at higher risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The article emphasizes the need for early intervention and trauma-informed care for children in foster care.

Works Cited

Kerr, A. M., Lipson, R. S., & Forkey, K. M. (2013). Mental health outcomes of adults who experienced foster care: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 27(4), 293-303.

Lipson, R. S., Kerr, A. M., & Forkey, K. M. (2014). Physical health outcomes of adults who experienced foster care: A systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 28(6), e47-e57.

Eleoff, S. B., Jonson-Reid, M. A., & Drake, B. (2016). The health of children in foster care. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20161118.

McCabe, M. A., & Falwell, K. L. (2007). Foster care and health status. Pediatrics, 119(Supplement 1), S147-S153.

McLeod, M. R., & Nelson, D. J. (2014). The mental health of children in foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 46, 172-179.