- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Hosting Foster Children With Potential Eating Disorders
The foster care program for children is an invaluable way of providing homes for children who may not have a family or home otherwise.
Many children are removed from their home and families temporarily for various reasons, including lack of care, maltreatment, and/or lack of supervision.
Children who are placed into the foster care system have the opportunity to be placed with an approved family, who are able to provide a stable, safe, and nurturing environment until the child is able to return home or a permanent family/home is found for the child.
Understanding Triggering Factors
As a foster parent or family, you have the incredible opportunity to offer care and support to a child who may be temporarily displaced or who has potentially suffered through difficult situations and circumstances. Children who are in foster care may have suffered through physical, emotional, mental and psychological trauma while in their home.
Factors that may contribute to the mental and behavioral health of children and youth in foster care include but are not limited to frequently changing situations, transitions, broken family relationships, the history of complex trauma, and inadequate mental health services and care [1].
For these reasons, foster children may be more susceptible to a variety of mental health issues. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared to 18-22 percent of the general population [1].
Research has shown that foster children have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder at a rate nearly five times higher than the general population [1]. Other mental health disparities that foster children may be more susceptible for developing include:
- Major depressive episodes
- Social phobia
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Alcohol dependence and substance abuse
- Eating disorders.
Understanding these potential triggering factors that children may be facing can be helpful for families who are entering the foster care system.
Connecting to Help and Treatment
It is important to note that every state has different legislation related to the mental health field and foster youth, including how to connect to and provide mental health services for foster children in need.
In the case that a mental illness, such as an eating disorder, is suspected in a foster child, it is important to have collaborate efforts between the pediatrician, child welfare agencies, Medicaid, and other specialists in order to provide effective interventions and track medical and mental health issues.
If you are a foster family and suspect that the child that has been placed with you may be struggling with a mental health issue, such as an eating disorder, it is critical to address this concern. Collaborate closely with the professionals you are working with in order to connect with the resources available to help your foster child.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: National Conference of State Legislatures, “Mental Health and Foster Care”, http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/mental-health-and-foster-care.aspx Accessed 20 March 2017The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 23, 2017
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
