Opinion: Teens in foster care harmed by legislative measure deemphasizing congregate care
Stability is a cornerstone of any child's development, yet for many in the foster care system, it remains a rare luxury.
The foster care system, already strained by limited resources, often prioritizes funding over the best interests of the children it serves. This is particularly evident when examining the frequent placement changes that many foster children endure, largely influenced by state reimbursement rates and legislative acts such as the Family First Prevention Services Act.
One of the most vulnerable groups affected by this systemic issue is teenagers in residential therapeutic group homes. These homes are designed to provide a stable environment for healing and growth, offering therapeutic support that many teens desperately need.
However, due to the structure of state reimbursement rates, these teens are often moved prematurely. After a certain period, state funding decreases; therefore, state agencies work to transition children out of these supportive environments, not because they are ready but because of financial constraints.
The Family First Prevention Services Act, while well-intentioned, emphasizes keeping children out of congregate care settings in favor of family-based placements. While the principle is sound, in practice, it can lead to abrupt transitions that do not consider the individual needs and readiness of the child.
[Read the full op-ed from Brittany Stokes at the Tulsa World]
