Foster Care is becoming more and more known and used throughout America each year. It is when a child is taken out of their home and placed into temporary, more suitable housing than what they were originally in. But who makes the decisions when it comes to foster care? Through an analysis of primary sources, and new’s articles, research suggests that the caseworkers from social services have the authority to remove a child from their home and there is a hearing in which the judge has the final say in permanent housing decisions, but the actual placement of the child is done by The Department of Social Services. Power holders in foster care would be not only at the individual level, but at the local level. The Department of Social Services collectively makes the decisions regarding children being placed in foster care.
5 thoughts on “Research project 1”
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I have had many friends over the years who have provided foster care to children. Sometimes it seems that the trauma and heartaches out number the benefits and rewards that foster recovery and well being and so your analysis of power is appreciated.
I enjoyed this research project. You used news sources carefully and well. I think it was good that you included examples from multiple states since, as you stated, the process varies from state to state other than the federally mandated Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980. I see how this relates well to the class in terms of having different people in the process with power roles making decisions for these children.
Overall good topic, research, well written, and easy/enjoyable to read!
I thought your analysis of foster care at different levels of power was really informative. I knew about half of that information but the other half was very eye-opening to me. It really shows how the child in foster care does not really get any power, but everyone else around them gets to determine where they go. At each level of power it seems to show that there are many problems. I personally do not know how to fix them, but hopefully the federal,state, or local level of power can see that the system is failing many children and they need to fix that immediately. Very great topic to choose, I think that was a really good way to talk about the levels of power.
I really enjoyed reading your paper. I liked how you were able to look at multiple levels of power, in multiple states. I think that your topic was very interesting. As someone interested in fostering children, this was an interesting perspective.
I found your topic to be one of much interest as it is a topic very close to me. The statements made about changes in foster care I can agree are 100% accurate, changes do need to be made in the system. The system is suppose to cater to the lives of young people though it often times seems to hurt more than help. I found the end of your paper most interesting pertaining to the story from VA Beach. There is a trend that seems to occur in that many unsuitable people make their ways into the system, some doing it because they get a break from the government it seems not all foster in consideration of the well-fare of their community’s children. It seems to me that if the social worker, case worker, or guardian ad litem did their job to the best of their ability, a judge would find in favor of the very best interest of the child. What is probably most difficult is just that, determining what exactly is the best course of action for the well being of the children. The system is certainly riddled with issues as you made very clear. The issue is what to do about it and who to give the power to in hopes to improve the system for children.