An Exploration of Factors Associated With the Stability and Continuity of the Foster Care System in the United States

Abstract

Foster care in the United States is viewed as a temporary service for children. However, for many children, foster care involves years of long term care. Most pro, fessionals working in the foster care system feel that the number of foster homes these children experience should be kept to a minimum. The evidence suggests that this movement from foster home to foster home has detrimental effects on the psycho-social development of the foster child. Little empirical research has been done on identifying factors associated with this movement. This research reports findings on a number of factors found to be related to this movement, thus giving new insight into the stability and continuity of the foster care system in the United States.