New research finds significant challenges for children with disabilities in foster care

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A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition has shed light on the disparities faced by children with disabilities in foster care.

According to the research, these children are not only less likely to achieve permanent placement, such as adoption or reunification with family, but also face significantly higher risks of mortality vs children without disabilities.

The study, titled "The Effect of Initial Disability on Permanency Outcomes of Children in Foster Care," analyzed data from the federal Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System (AFCARS) from fiscal years 2005 to 2019. The research, which followed 3.24 million children aged 0 to 16 years from their initial entry into foster care, found stark differences in outcomes based on disability type.

Children with disabilities were found to be at a substantially higher risk of non-permanency discharges—such as aging out of the system, running away, or being transferred to other agencies—compared to those without disabilities. Those with intellectual disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and emotional disturbances were particularly vulnerable, with relative risks (RR) for non-permanency outcomes of 1.79, 1.72, and 3.01, respectively (p<0.0001).

Moreover, the mortality risks for children with disabilities in foster care were startling. The study revealed that children with physical disabilities faced an especially high risk of death, with a relative risk of 9.07 (p<0.0001). Similarly, those with intellectual disabilities and other medical conditions also faced heightened risks of mortality, with relative risks of 3.12 and 3.31, respectively (P <0.0001).

Senior author Jill D. McLeigh, PhD, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "In undertaking this study, we expected to find differential outcomes for children with disabilities. We were, however, surprised by the degree to which risk levels for failing to achieve permanency were higher for children with disabilities–across several disability types–and for dying while in care for physical disability, emotional disturbance, and other medical conditions."

The study's results highlight the unique vulnerabilities of children in foster care with disabilities, including intellectual, physical, and emotional disturbances. Children in these groups are far less likely to achieve positive outcomes, such as reunification with family, adoption, or guardianship. Instead, they are more likely to experience negative outcomes, including non-permanency discharge or death.

“Given that children in foster care have higher rates of disability, it is very important that the child welfare and health care systems work to address the needs of this highly vulnerable population and to provide support to their caregivers,” concluded presenting author Gunjan Singh, MD, FAAP.

Reference:

Children in foster care with disabilities face significant challenges. Eurekalert. September 27, 2024. Accessed September 28, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1058536?