About
There are approximately 15,000 children living in foster care in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, over 40,000 children in our state interface with the child welfare system each year in the context of child maltreatment investigations. Children in foster care experience a high prevalence of health care needs and unique barriers to health care. As such, the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes children in foster care as a population with special health care needs, and there are specific guidelines for the health care of children in foster care. In addition to meeting the specialized health care needs of children in foster care, pediatricians can play a role in strengthening families and communities such that more children can remain safely with their families.
The Family First Prevention and Services Act of 2018 reforms child welfare financing by allowing states to use Title IV funds not only for foster care, but also for prevention services to maintain children safely in their homes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes pediatricians’ role in advocating for implementation of Family First Prevention and Services Act at the state level. The American Academy of Pediatrics Equity Agenda highlights that all systems of care should promote health equity for children. There are racial and ethnic disparities in child welfare systems and pediatricians can collaborate with community agencies to promote equity in this aspect of child well-being. There is a need for a Committee to address health care needs and barriers, policies, prevention, and inequities related to foster care.
The Family First Prevention and Services Act of 2018 reforms child welfare financing by allowing states to use Title IV funds not only for foster care, but also for prevention services to maintain children safely in their homes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes pediatricians’ role in advocating for implementation of Family First Prevention and Services Act at the state level. The American Academy of Pediatrics Equity Agenda highlights that all systems of care should promote health equity for children. There are racial and ethnic disparities in child welfare systems and pediatricians can collaborate with community agencies to promote equity in this aspect of child well-being. There is a need for a Committee to address health care needs and barriers, policies, prevention, and inequities related to foster care.
Goals
The purpose of the committee is to promote the health of children and youth who are at risk for or have experienced family disruption through advocacy, policy, education, prevention and quality improvement initiatives.
The Foster Care Subcommittee, working in collaboration with the Advocacy Committee, Executive Director and Chapter President, is charged to:
The Foster Care Subcommittee, working in collaboration with the Advocacy Committee, Executive Director and Chapter President, is charged to:
- Establish a registry of providers with a special interest in serving children in foster care across PA. Providers on the registry would be a resource for the Committee as we work to understand current practices across counties, and for the PA AAP should there be inquiries about medical resources for children in foster care.
- Develop a network of community partners with interest in promoting the well-being of children in foster care
- Work with Chapter leadership, members, communities and community organizations including child welfare agencies to implement policies on strengthening families and on the health of children in foster care.
- Facilitate relevant educational opportunities for PA AAP members and the community
- Serve as a resource for policy makers, community agencies, PA AAP members and community members on matters related to the health of children in foster care.
Leadership
Meet the Foster & Kinship Care Committee Chair:
Kristine Fortin, MD, MPH, FAAP
Chair
Chair
MembershipThe Foster & Kinship Care Committee welcomes PA AAP members to contribute their expertise to the Chapter's efforts around advocacy and resource development for children living in foster or kinship care as well as their providers.
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Why Should I Join?PA-based providers have the opportunity to educate their patients and families, policymakers and fellow practitioners on the this population and their health and safety needs.
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