Youth in Foster Care

Abstract

This chapter explores the distinct needs of youth who have been placed in the custody of the foster care system. The authors discuss the impact of abuse and neglect, removal from the biological family, and repeated relocation to different home and school settings upon the mental health and development of youth in foster care. The developmental impact of adverse experiences on these youth across different psychosocial development stages, mental health conditions to which this population is vulnerable, and challenges to meeting educational needs are delineated. The authors identify and discuss strategies for effective clinical intervention and advocacy that counselors may implement in school settings.