Resources for Working with Youth in Foster Care

Many youth in foster care have experienced difficult or traumatic life situations that can contribute to the development of a mental health disorder. Common mental health symptoms experienced by children in the foster care system include, but are not limited t anger/irritability, nightmares, distressing memories, sleep problems, depression and anxiety, avoidance, attention problems, problems with attachment, delinquency and oppositional behavior. Establishing strategic connections between the foster care system and school mental health can help reduce many of the problematic behaviors that arise in school and can help improve success for children and adolescents in foster care.  Addressing mental health concerns within the school setting can also offer a reduction in the amount of time that foster care youth are taken out of school to attend therapy sessions with mental health providers within the larger community and offers a natural, ecologically grounded treatment setting in which to address mental health concerns Increasing time in school for youth, especially high risk youth is a priority for increasing student academic success. 

This section, which will continue to be enhanced, provides an opportunity for school mental health clinicians, foster care workers, parents, educators, and youth in foster care to access important information and resources regarding mental health.  Links to pages within our website as well as external links that might be helpful are provided. 

Resources for Clinicians

Resources for Educators

Resources for Families

Resources for Foster Care Workers

Training Curriculum School Mental Health and Foster Care