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Risk and protective factors affecting children in foster care: a pilot study of the role of siblings

M B Thorpe1, G T Swart

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London.

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|November 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Children in foster care showed improved school performance and fewer symptoms, despite potential sibling separation. High-risk children demonstrated resilience, recovering from initial challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children in foster care are at high risk for mental illness due to neglect.
  • Simultaneous placement of siblings in foster care presents unique challenges and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of foster care on neglected siblings.
  • To identify factors influencing sibling separation and its effects on child outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 115 siblings from 48 families in foster care.
  • Analysis of symptom presentation, school performance, and extracurricular involvement.
  • Identification of risk factors for sibling separation.

Main Results:

  • Foster care correlated with better school performance and fewer symptoms.
  • Sibling separation occurred in 53% of cases, influenced by age, parental illness, and parental separation.
  • Separated children had more risk factors but still showed improved outcomes in care.

Conclusions:

  • Foster care can mitigate negative impacts of neglect, even for high-risk children.
  • Sibling separation is a significant concern but does not negate positive outcomes in foster care.
  • Protective factors at home did not predict outcomes in foster care, suggesting the care environment is crucial.

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