Health status of children in foster care: the experience of the Center for the Vulnerable Child

Article Abstract:

Chronic medical and mental health problems are rising among children in foster care. Figures from the Oakland Center for the Vulnerable Child in California indicate several worsening trends. Researchers compiled comprehensive health profiles for 213 foster children over a 3-year period. The average age of the children was three and more than 83% were of African American origin. Parental neglect and abandonment accounted for 85.4% of all placements. More than 78% of the children had parents involved in drug use. Maternal drug use was established in 68 of 72 infants. Health problems varied and were often severe. Asthma was most common in the toddlers, while about 82% of all children had at least one chronic illness. Almost 84% had developmental and emotional problems, including motor and language deficiencies and coping problems. Multiple placements had a negative effect on child development and the observed dysfunctions varied with age and age at first placement.

Social aspects, Chronic diseases, Statistics, Pediatric diseases, Child development, Foster home care, Chronic diseases in children, Parental rejection

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Assessing the quality of care for children: prospects under health reform

Article Abstract:

Attention to children's unique health needs poses a challenge amidst ongoing debates over monitoring health care quality. Health care for children differs from adult services in three main areas. Childhood growth and development is subject to ever-changing care and treatment throughout the years. Children are dependent on the good will of adults obtaining medical services including payment on their behalf. Pediatric health problems are quite diverse ranging from milder forms like asthma to birth defects. While adult medical care has been extensively researched, fewer studies have have concentrated on pediatric quality measures. Criteria need to be established regarding care quality and outcome, specific medication needs, diagnostic procedures, and care for uninsured children.

Analysis, Evaluation, Medical care, Quality management, Medical care quality, Health care reform, Child health services

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African American mothers in south central Los Angeles: their fears for their newborn's future

Article Abstract:

The primary concerns African American mothers in south central Los Angeles have for their newborn children center around physical and health problems. These include traditional ones of disease as well as social ones of violence, drugs and alcohol. Of 419 new mothers interviewed, 39% placed fear of gangs and violence first. Following that were worries about disease and health problems, use of drugs and alcohol, and the local environment in general. It is not clear what role physicians can play in helping these women address the issue of violence.

Injuries, Prevention, Surveys, Los Angeles, California, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Substance abuse, Mothers, Gangs

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