Samantha Gammeter

English 105

Professor Fields

2-28-19

Care of Foster Care

With children being put into these unusual situations at a young age, there should be

more supervision over how they are doing mentally throughout and after the transition between

homes. Because children absorb so much information and develop at a quick pace during

childhood, it makes sense that these stressful circumstances can result in mental health problems.

Although they are being placed, in most cases, to safer homes, the unfamiliarity and stress can

trigger tantrums, anxiety attacks, and anger which is often overlooked as bad behavior. If there

was a stronger emphasis on making sure these children have instances like moving houses and

introducing sudden change into their lives explained to them, rather than putting stress on them

to figure out what is happening on their own, this will create a healthier living environment for

all parties involved.

The condition of these foster children has a chain reaction on the mental health of

everyone in the situation, including the foster siblings and parents. If there was either another

person to help these children through these changes, or the social workers had a bigger part on

this process, it could potentially ease the current and future effects that the foster system has on

the mental health of the children. There could be one on one meetings with the children and the

social worker where the social worker could take the time to explain the situation in a way that is

appropriate for children. This would be beneficial because it allows a sense of closure so there

are less unanswered questions for the child, allowing them to grasp the circumstances of their

situation. Further, this process would allow the children to vent and let their own feelings about
Samantha Gammeter

English 105

Professor Fields

2-28-19

what is happening so that it could reduce the stress that may otherwise be converted into “bad

behavior” later. With this being applied, it can help to improve the condition of life they will

have in the future because there would be a greater opportunity to talk through problems,

concerns, and worries with others rather than holding all their emotions and feelings and trying

to figure their situation out on their own.

Though some people may think that children should not know why they were removed

from their parents or guardians because they’re too young to comprehend, this mindset it

harmful. If situations were explained enough so that the children could at least have a basic

understanding of the situation, it could greatly alleviate the confusion that they are trying to

figure out on their own and allow them to ask questions. This would also give them a feeling of

having some control in their life. All of these factors would allow for an easier integration into

their new surroundings and living situation as well as help to eliminate problems that could cause

strife in their future.

This gap may exist because the main priority for social workers is often removing

children from the unsuitable environment. Also, social workers may not be trained enough to

recognize the state of mind or mental health of the child. This could be remedied by having the

social workers be a little more well-versed in psychology and child development. Having a better

understanding would allow social workers to recognize certain behaviors in the children and be

better prepared to help the kids work through their problems before it turns into anger or grief in

their situation.
Samantha Gammeter

English 105

Professor Fields

2-28-19