How to Explain Foster Care to a Child

"In the United States, more than 390,000 children are currently in foster care. Each year, between 19,000 and 30,000 youth "age out" of the system without permanent families or lifelong supports. The transition to adulthood is especially challenging. By their early twenties, former foster youth are significantly more likely than their peers to struggle: Nearly one in four experience homelessness. About one in four face incarceration."

"These outcomes are linked to the early trauma of abuse, neglect, and repeated separations and placements. This makes it critical for caregivers and professionals to help children understand their story in ways that reduce shame, build trust, and foster resilience. Why Children Need Their Story Children in foster care are not blank slates. Even very young children carry memories, questions, and feelings about their families of origin. When adults avoid these conversations, children may fill in the blanks themselves with self-blame, shame, or fear."

More than 390,000 children live in foster care in the United States, and 19,000–30,000 youth age out annually without permanent families or lifelong supports. Former foster youth face high risks: nearly one in four experience homelessness and about one in four face incarceration by their early twenties; many are at risk of homelessness within 18 months of emancipation. Early trauma from abuse, neglect, and repeated separations contributes to these outcomes. Children retain memories and questions about their origins and need empathetic, honest witnesses to help integrate past and present. Caregivers should offer presence and nonjudgmental listening, initiate conversations, and avoid rushing to fix pain.

Read at Psychology Today