FACTORS THAT PROMOTE OR INHIBIT ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FOSTER CARE

Abstract

There is a lot of evidence highlighting that individuals who have been in the foster care system experience higher rates of mental health issues relative to the general population (news.uci.edu). However, it is well documented that individuals in foster care are at a much greater risk of not having their mental health needs met. The current study will critically review the factors that prevent adequate access to mental health services for foster children. I have also investigated strategies that have been used to successfully enhance mental health care access for this population and will aim to provide recommendations for best practices. Given the dramatic difference between the mental health needs of the foster care population and the inadequate level at which these needs are being met, there is a great need for policies that can enhance the care given to those who have been part of the child welfare system. Below, I review barriers (e.g. race), and facilitators (e.g social workers) that promote or hinder access to mental health care for this population and provide a set of recommendations based on evidence-based programs for how to enhance access to mental health care for people with a background in foster care.