Examining expectations of children raised in unstable homes

The state of South Carolina is currently experiencing an extreme deficit in the number of  foster parents. According to the The Post and Courier, in order for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) to correct the shortage of more than 1,000 foster families, they have raised the daily rate given to foster families and have removed certain restrictions that have previously prevented others from fostering (such as the presence of lead paint).  

Additionally, most foster parents still only receive around $16.67 to $19.63 a day per foster child andhe national average cost per day of raising a child sits at $35.56.

In 2016, SCDSS served 7,802 foster children across the state. The process of fostering children can involve assessment of the child’s needs, case planning, case management, room and board, medical care, counseling (which may be received by the child, child’s biological parents and child’s foster parents), child referral and other general assistance or required services. In 2016, the SCDSS was limited to only $4,072,927. In 2018, 8,490 children were served on a budget of $1,352,726.

In an interview with Dr. Cecile Nowatka, Wofford professor of psychology, she discussed the numerous complications that can haunt children throughout their lives if they are raised in a turbulent and unstable home life. 

“The first years of a child’s life are critical for proper attachment,” meaning that a parental-like “relationship is meant to lay the groundwork for your relationships with others… so that if you have a good relationship with others and can rely on a primary caregiver, then it will be easier for a child to be able to trust other others and form [stable] relationships.”

However, without proper attachment, the adverse effects can be more quickly noticed. Most children by the age of six months are capable of distinguishing their primary caregiver(s) and have the ability to develop a fear of strangers and separation anxiety. Without proper attachment development with their caregivers, it can be challenging for children to develop healthy, positive relationships with others they meet throughout their lives.

This issue begs the question: what can be done to aid children in families that do not provide a stable or dependable living environment? Nowatka suggests beginning with providing families support while raising newborns.

 “In the U.S., most new mothers receive a maximum of six weeks’ paid leave and fathers often receive none. In Western Europe, parents often receive significantly longer. Most children in the U.S. are securely attached to their caregivers, but this could be a particular challenge for foster parents and children, and a longer leave might help.”