An Ecological Approach to Understanding Delinquency of Youths in Foster Care

ABSTRACT

This review highlights the importance of an ecological approach to understanding delinquent behaviors of youth in foster care. The author provides clarification on the specific aspects of Ecological Theory that are considered in this review. The author highlights how Brofenbrenner’s Ecological Theory can be useful for various professionals working with these youths. Relevance of the theory in regards to implications for both clinical practice and policy are discussed, in addition to research. The author describes how an ecological approach provides a more comprehensive approach to understanding delinquency of youth in care.

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Heather M. Farineau

HEATHER M. FARINEAU has her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and is an Assistant Professor in Social work at Florida Atlantic University. She is also the Director of the Child Welfare Institute at Florida Atlantic University. Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has provided parenting and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families involved in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Heather’s primary research interests are identifying protective factors for adolescents in the foster care system, specifically focusing how family relationships and other contextual factors can impact outcomes. Heather has presented research at past annual conferences such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, National Council on Family Relations, National Association of Social Workers, and the American Family Therapy Academy.