Foster Care Training

The theory of intergenerational trauma suggests that the psychological and emotional effects of collective traumatic experiences can be inherited across generations. It is crucial to develop a comprehensive understanding of how structural racism and historical marginalization perpetuate these intergenerational traumas. These disparities are intricately connected to social, economic, and environmental factors, such as limited educational opportunities, inadequate housing, low income, and insufficient access to quality mental healthcare. Moreover, the treatment gap is exacerbated by factors including under-detection by healthcare providers, unreliable medical systems, and treatment settings that are perceived as punitive and inaccessible. Structural racism and historical marginalization are among the numerous factors contributing to the disproportionate representation of Black children in the foster care system, with rates 2-3 times higher than their White counterparts. Black children experience a higher number of adverse childhood experiences, including parental loss, parental incarceration, exposure to domestic violence, and witnessing violence within their communities. As of 2021, Black children accounted for 14% of the total child population but represented 22% of all children in foster care. Research demonstrates that Black parents are disproportionately targeted and are twice as likely to be reported to child services compared to white parents. Additionally, Black children are more frequently removed from their homes. The majority of children in foster care are placed there due to allegations of parental neglect, indicating that their parents have been unable to provide them with essential resources such as suitable housing, clothing, medical care, and education. However, it is essential to acknowledge that these issues are deeply rooted in structural racism. Children in the foster care system often face multiple disruptions, including frequent changes in placement, schools, and teachers, which exacerbate their struggles in coping with trauma. Black children in foster care confront a multitude of psychological challenges. The separation of Black children from their parents disrupts family structures and hinders children’s development. Structural racism contributes to an intergenerational cycle of trauma response, resulting in physical health issues (e.g., compromised immune system, hormonal imbalances, and adrenal dysfunction), social challenges (e.g., domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, and involvement in criminal activities), and psychological disorders (e.g., depression, panic or anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]). Moreover, psychological mechanisms involve the transmission of beliefs (e.g., cognitive factors) across generations. This presentation extensively explores the impact of intergenerational traumas on the psychological well-being of Black adolescents, with a specific focus on depression, PTSD, and suicide. Furthermore, it delves into the steps that healthcare providers can take to enhance the overall welfare of Black adolescents in foster care.