An exploratory study of foster child stress and behavioral health during Hurricane Irma

ABSTRACT

This study provides an exploration of foster child stress and behavioral health during and after Hurricane Irma. Results from a survey of 50 foster parents indicated that foster child stress was significantly higher when court hearings were cancelled/rescheduled, foster parents perceived delayed progress toward case goals, and foster parents had higher hurricane-related stress. Anxiety and aggression were the most frequently mentioned ways in which foster child stress was manifested during and after the storm. These findings provide an introductory exploration that has implications for future research on foster care during natural disasters.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavioral health
• foster care
• hurricane
• natural disaster

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie A. Steen

Julie A. Steen, Ph.D., MSW, is Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Florida.  Her research focuses on the macro level of the child welfare system with a special emphasis on studies and evaluations that support evidence-based executive decision-making. Her work is directed toward the optimization of policies, organizations, and programs that impact child and family well-being.

Xiaochuan Wang

Xiaochuan Wang, Ph.D., MSW, is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work, University of Central Florida. Her research interests center around health and mental health disparities. Particularly, her research looks at access to, utilization of, and quality of services among vulnerable populations.

Eunji Nam

Eunji Nam, Ph.D., MA, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work. Dr. Nam’s areas of interest include young adults with mental health conditions, mental health service utilization, and program development and evaluation. She has participated in multiple program evaluation projects.