An Exploration of Morale and Decision Making of Children and Youths in Foster and Residential Care
Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Children who are forced into foster or residential care are one of the most vulnerable populations in the United States. Many of these children have not had the benefit of a positive adult role model in their lives and therefore lack social skills and self-esteem often resulting in criminal activity. Previous research indicates various positive and negative influences on morale and decision making of children and youths in both of these populations. This study aims to build upon previous research in an attempt to improve the lives of youths in foster and residential care by further delving into the influences on morale and recidivism rates. This new research will be used to implement new practice methods within both populations, thus allowing social workers to better serve and improve their clients’ chances at a successful life. Findings of this study point to the importance of community based interagency programs in order to provide effective services to children and youths in both populations. Lack of available resources was found to be the largest detriment to effective service delivery and various solutions are proposed such as a greater effort among agencies to work collaboratively.
Author: Kevin E. Stanford
Language: English
Topic: Child Welfare and Adoption
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1590486760