Running head: THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 1

The Impact of Foster Parenting on Childhood

Vanessa Yazzie

Salt Lake Community College

THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 2

The Impact of Foster Parenting on Childhood

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and mental behavior. Psychology can be a

very complex topic. The way it is explained, is through different sub categories such as, health

development, mental disorders, social behavior and human development. Researchers have come

a long way, into discovering different techniques to solve complications in human behavior.

Since psychology is a science, it attempts to solve theories using systematic procedures.

Different types of psychology have distinctive approaches on handing certain issues. The

study of having them come together creates a clearer picture on the whole idea. It is important

that we investigate the process because it could give us useful information on future

examinations and the healing process. Individuals can benefit from catching the problem early

on, compared to catching it late and it effecting our mental growth.

Human development is important because we need it in order to grow. Throughout age

people begin to develop and it changes how we handle hard challenges. Psychologist have to

take into consideration any traumatic experiences, and characteristic challenges the individual

had. Looking into past events could be a big piece as to why the individual acts the way they do.

An interesting topic I choose to write about is the impact of foster parenting on childhood. Child

development is important because it molds the choices and lifestyles the individuals could have

in the future.
THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 3

Foster care is a stable environment for abuse and maltreated children, suffering from their

caregiver’s lack of attention. We will discuss the psychological functions and child behaviors.

Also taking into account the adaption placement, and the benefits of having a stable

environment. It all leads to how a child can handle the stress of being away from the biological

parents.

According to American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) “Most of these children have been

victims of repeated abuse, prolonged neglect and have not experienced a nurturing, stable

environment during the early years of their life”. This could lead into having children more likely

to suffer from mental illness. A big risk that children could suffer from is having post-traumatic

stress disorder, leaving the child unstable. It could lead to having manic episodes, night terrors

and lack of concentration. Paying attention to detail and giving emotional support could help the

child grow to understand the importance of resilience. This could affect the brain development

and basic stimulation techniques. Such as language, social interactions, and cognitive thinking.

Given the circumstance children in foster care could have many complications while

adapting to the placement home. Separation from caregivers could result in psychological and

mental dysfunctions. It is the state’s job to conduct a well examination of the soon to be

placement and provide treatment. State employees organize background checks, home checks

throughout a period of time and order classes that are required. These candidates that are

becoming foster parents have to be well balanced enough to handle any complications the child

might have. According to Child Youth Serv Rev. “Environmental stress Factors such as social

isolation, socioeconomic disadvantage, conflict and family violence, stress, lack of social
THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 4

support, and parental psychopathology have consistently been linked with subsequent behavior

problems in children.” Therefore this could lead into school disruption, drug and alcohol

consumption, teen pregnancy and even suicide. If a child is given the right resources to succeed,

they will be able to cope with difficult issues. Foster parents need to be involved in the child’s

life. If children are excelling in school and getting academic achievements, it has been shown

they are most likely to continue their education as an adult.

Children have their own way of handing psychological stress. Infants show stress by

crying, withdrawing, and showing no motor activity. According to American Academy of

Pediatrics (2000) “The body's physiologic responses to stress are based on involuntary actions of

the brain.” It puts the brain into stress response mode, and makes the child behave poorly.

Causing the child to show aggressive behavior, and temper tantrums. Long term effects could

result in anxiety, sleep problems and mood swings. It is shown that if parents are involved and

willing to start coping skills they can have a success rate with the child behaving.

The postive side to parenting as foster parents can be very rewarding. Being able to take

these children into their home and giving them the right nurturing can start a new family. Parents

develop the right skills to handle tough situations and in return get loving affection from the

child. It is shown that it is difficult adapting to having new kids come into the home can be

overwhelming at times. But giving that child a new life, a fresh start is something they can

experience. Foster parents can help the child by getting them into different kinds of treatments.

Such as, therapy, school activities, family outings and having friends.
THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 5

In conclusion foster parenting can be bittersweet. It is difficult to understand the concept

of a child coming from a broken home. The issues that arise can be challenging and leave

individuals feeling helpless. A few ways to get closure is researching different coping skills, and

finding information about human development, could potentially help. There are many different

possibilities on how to manage stress and how to end long term affects. Most importantly it’s the

love and compassion you feel from the child, that makes it worth it. There is a high success rate

in fostering children. Parents are strongly encouraged to try fostering a child.

THE IMPACT OF FOSTER PARENTING ON CHILDHOOD 6

References

Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption and Dependent Care. “Developmental Issues for

Young Children in Foster Care.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Nov.

2000, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/106/5/1145.

Healey, Cynthia V., and Philip A. Fisher. Children and Youth Services Review, U.S. National

Library of Medicine, Oct. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188952.