Youth in Foster Care System

Much has been written concerning how health care needs of children in foster care have increased substantially over time and how it has become increasingly problematic for the child welfare system to address those needs. The literature seems to be in agreement that the problems encountered in the provision of adequate health care to this population are compounded by several other aspects of the system and its operation: changing placements of children that make continuity of care and continuity of the medical record difficult; child welfare agency's necessary focus on the immediate (v. ongoing) health needs of any particular child (within the context of a growing caseload and greater needs); and lack of awareness of foster care specific issues on the part of Medicaid agencies.