Psychology
Consensus statement on developmentally appropriate policy and practice for adolescents in foster care
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of important neurobiological, social and cognitive changes. Under optimal conditions, adolescents are supported by parents who allow autonomy seeking while maintaining involvement and a strong relationship with their adolescent. Pubertal and neurobiological changes, alterations in adolescents’ sleep cycles, and changes in adolescents’ relationships with parents, peers, and schools (e.g., transitions to middle or high school), as well as increases in risk-taking are but a few of the changes that provide challenges to healthy adolescent development. These are exacerbated for adolescents in foster care who often experience changes in caregivers and transitions between neighborhoods and schools. The foster care system often fails to support navigating developmental challenges successfully. This consensus statement on youth in foster care makes a case for a developmentally informed system of care. Although we avoid making specific policy and practice recommendations, we identify general areas where research can inform change. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Publication Title
Children and Youth Services Review
Publication Date
11-2025
Volume
178
ISSN
0190-7409
DOI
10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108495
Keywords
adolescence, adolescent development, foster care
Repository Citation
Dozier, M.; Smetana, J.G.; Allen, J.; Bakermans-Kranenburg, M.J.; Benner, A.D.; Burton, L.M.; Campione-Barr, N.; Carlo, G.; Dodge, K.A.; Fuligni, A.; Galvan, A.; Ginsburg, K.; Grolnick, Wendy S.; Murry, V.M.; Simpkins, S.D.; Ijzendoorn, M.H.Van; Zeanah, C.; and Shauffer, C., "Consensus statement on developmentally appropriate policy and practice for adolescents in foster care" (2025). Psychology. 974.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_psychology/974
