How do children and teens end up in foster care?
One clear answer does not exist. There are different reasons that a child or teen may enter the foster care system – family illness, death, incarceration, abandonment, abuse, neglect, unmet mental health needs, substance abuse, and most notably abuse and neglect.
Why does child abuse happen?
There isn’t one easy answer to this question either.
• Parental stress – unable to handle the pressures, frustration, and responsibilities of parenthood
• Traumatic childhood (mistreated as a child, continuing the cycle of abuse)
• Isolation or loneliness – no support system to help with physical or emotional care and overwhelm
• Lacks effective parenting skills – no role model of positive parenting, inexperience
• Unrealistic expectations – unaware of child’s needs and abilities, doesn’t understand child’s behavior
• Confused roles – parent expects child to take care of them, child’s needs secondary
• Serious parental issues – substance abuse, mental health, illnesses
Intervention is needed but prevention is the only way to end child abuse. Get Involved:
• Become an advocate. Raise awareness about prevention.
• Engage your business, staff, employer, or faith-based institution in the fight.
• Support laws and programs that protect children.
• Become a parent mentor. Organize a parenting group.
• Spread the “prevent child abuse” message through social media.
• Host a community event such as a fundraiser, forum or health fair.
Thank you for reading our third (and final) post in our blog series for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Check out the other blogs here:
Part I: You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse
Part II: What Does Child Abuse Look Like?
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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