Child Abuse in Foster Care: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

This research project examines the critical issue of child abuse within the foster care system, particularly in the UK. The project begins with an introduction that establishes the rationale, defines key concepts like child abuse and foster care, and provides background information on the prevalence of abuse. The aim of the research is to critically review the high occurrence rate of child abuse in foster care in the UK. The objectives include analyzing the causes of child abuse, comparing the incidence in the UK versus Romania, and outlining the impact on Health and Social Care (HSC). The literature review explores various perspectives on the issue, including the negative effects of separation from parents, the role of neglect, caregiver factors such as personality characteristics and substance abuse, and childhood risk factors. The methodology section outlines the research philosophy (interpretive), approach (deductive), and type (qualitative). The project utilizes secondary data collection from sources like books, journals, and online articles. The data analysis employs a thematic technique. The project emphasizes the importance of reliability and validity in the research process. The project concludes with a discussion of the impact of child abuse on the health and social care system.

RESEARCH PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1- INTRODDCTION ...................................................................................................3
1.1 Research project description..................................................................................................3
1.2 Aims and objectives ..............................................................................................................4
1.3 Literature review....................................................................................................................5
1.4 Research methodology .........................................................................................................6
1.5 Structure of project ...............................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................9
Introduction .................................................................................................................................9
Causes of child abuse ..................................................................................................................9
Impact of child abuse in foster care on the Health and Social Care .....................................11
CHAPTER 3- METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................13
CHAPTER 4- DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS ...........................................................14
Data collection .........................................................................................................................14
Data analysis and discussion......................................................................................................14
Chapter 5 – conclusions and recommendation..............................................................................17
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................17
Areas for further study ..............................................................................................................18
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................19
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CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research project description
Rationale
The rationale of doing this project is high incidence of child abuse which has significant
negative consequences in the life of a child. When young, the life of a human revolves around
his parents or primary care givers. A child seeks safety, love, understanding, security, support
and nurturance from his parents or care givers. Trust is the core of a child's relationship with
parents/guardian or carer. Child abuse violates the trust in the relationship and gives birth to the
feelings of betrayal, thereby, leading to the development of a negative schema. This negative
schema impacts the capacity of an individual to establish and sustain significant attachments
throughout life. Child abuse makes a person display a type of behavior which not only threatens
but also disrupts the close relationships. There is the need to reflect on this issue and understand
the causes that lead to the high incidence of abuse. This is the rationale behind undertaking the
research project (Greeson et.al., 2011; Zito et.al., 2008).
Definition of key concepts and theories
Child abuse- It is defined as any action which is undertaken by another person whether
adult or child, which leads to significant emotional, physical or sexual harm to a child (Child
abuse and neglect, 2015). When a parent or carer causes injury, emotional harm or death of a
child through an action; or by failing to act, it is included in child abuse.
There are various types of child abuse. Physical abuse is the bodily harm inflicted on a
child. Neglect is another type of abuse which involves absence of parental care. Emotional abuse
is when a child is subjected to actions and behavior which cause mental anguish or deficits.
Sexual abuse refers to forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities (What is child
abuse?, 2015).
Foster care- It is defined as a system characterized by placing a minor into a group home,
private home or ward. These are state certified care givers and are referred as “foster parents”.
Government or a social service agency is responsible for arranging the placement of a child to
foster care (Zito et.al., 2008).
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Background to research problem
According to the estimation of NSPCC, over half a million children experience child
abuse in UK every year. In Britain, one in every 100 children is abused every year. According to
Dugan (2014), findings regarding child abuse in foster care in UK are shocking. When abuse
allegations and outcomes were tracked between years 2009 to 2012, it was found that there are
around 450 to 550 cases of proven abuse in foster care. More than 88 per cent of abuse in foster
care is perpetrated by the carers (Dugan, 2014). Physical harm was caused to a child in more
than one third of cases. Similar number of cases was of emotional abuse. Further, approximately
11 per cent of children were sexually abused. In UK, more than 60 per cent of abuse victims are
girls with a mean age of 9 years. Overall in UK, every year, around 2000- 2500 allegations of
abuse of children are found (Dugan, 2014). However, the situation is different in Romania. Ban
on contraception led to skyrocketing birth rate. However, the poor families abandoned their
children to large state institutions. This made 'neglect' as a big problem in Romania which led to
abuse of children in other care institutions. But, it was found that children in foster care in
Romania developed in a better manner as compared to other institutions. Considering the
negative impacts of child abuse, this issue is a serious concern in a developed nation like UK.
Thus, the research problem is the high incidence of child abuse in foster care in UK and reasons
behind it. (Weir, 2014)
1.2 Aim and objectives
The Aim of my research project is:
 To critically review the high occurrence rate of child abuse in foster care in UK.
The Objectives of my research are:
 To analyze the etiology of child abuse in foster care in UK.
 To compare the incidence of child abuse in foster care in UK vs Romania.
 To outline the impact of child abuse in foster care on the Health and Social Care.
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1.3 Literature review
Reece and Christian, (2008) asserted that many children found separation from parents as
detrimental. It is obvious that stability is not provided by foster care to the children. Adjustments
need to be made by the child regarding new way of life in foster care environment (Reece and
Christian, 2008). It can be analyzed that the possible issue with foster care is that it is difficult for
children to adjust according to new surroundings, different lifestyles, new neighbors and friends.
As per the views of Herrenkohl et.al., (2008), neglect is the most reported abuse in foster care.
This is often faced by immigrant children who find it stressful to adjust to a new culture
(Herrenkohl et. al., 2008). However, Pereda et.al., (2009) argue that the issue with foster care is
that children are made to bounce around different placements which affect their education and
other areas of development and growth (Pereda et.al., 2009).
Pipe et.al., (2013) analyzed that caregiver factors are associated with child abuser in
foster care (Pipe et.al., 2013). According to Bruskas (2008), personality characteristics and
psychological well being of care giver is a risk factor for child abuse. Low self-esteem and
external locus of control lead to neglect and physical abuse. Some caregivers, who have a history
of maltreatment, abuse the children (Bruskas, 2008). But, Doyle, (2008) asserts that there is an
increased risk of child abuse if the caregiver himself has witnessed abuse when he was a child.
Another cause of child abuse is that some carers are substance abusers and have lack of
appropriate knowledge regarding child development (Doyle, 2008). These factors place the child
at the risk of abuse. Apart from this, there are certain childhood risk factors which can be
considered as the causes of child abuse in foster care. According to Price et.al., (2008),
disabilities in children lead to their abuse in foster care. Infants are more dependent on their
carers which makes them even more prone to abuse. Also, children with behavioral and
emotional difficulties are more vulnerable to abuse in foster care. (Price et.al., 2008).
According to Brook and McDonald, (2009), foster homes are designed for protecting
children who are abused or neglected. However, child abuse still takes place within foster homes.
In UK, foster care has always been considered as an option (Brook and McDonald, 2009). In
foster care, abuses are sometimes caused due to difficult and stressful working environments.
Also, there are situations when the carers are given least training and hardest schedules. Less
payment and undesirable working conditions makes the carers frustrated which leads to the
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development of abusive tendencies. It has further been found that child abuse is more common in
public residential care rather than the children who are present in private residential care homes.
(Refer appendix )
Impact of child abuse in foster care on HSC
The child abuse carried out in foster care homes puts additional burden on health and
social care. This is as increased services by psychiatrist are to be given to these children. It thus
puts under pressure on psychology department of foster care homes (Zito et.al., 2008). There are
various kinds of development issues faced by children who are living in foster care homes. From
the research, it has been found that the major impacts of child abuse in foster care are emotional
problems, lack of self-esteem, distrust on others, increase aggressiveness, increase the use of
drugs and alcohols, poor mental health, unhappiness, affect physical health, start to isolate from
the other people, changing in behavior, anxiety disorders, eating and sleeping disorders etc
(Reece and Christian, 2008). On the other hand, another impact of child abuse in foster care on
HSC are increase suicide attempts, personality disorders, self-harming behavior, post-traumatic
stress etc. Therefore, it can be said that the child abuse in foster care on HSC has made the
negative impact on physical and mental health of children.
1.4 Research methodology
Research methodology comprises of the process of data collection and analysis with the
help of which, the aim and objectives of research can be attained (Harrison and Reilly, 2011).
For accomplishing this research, I will use a number of research methods such as research
approach, type, data collection, analysis, validity and reliability etc.
Research philosophy
There would be a use of interpretive philosophy so as to identify the truths and facts that are
related to working of foster care homes. The philosophy will thus play a key role to produce the
end result. Hence for the present study interpretive philosophy is the best so as to make sense of
the events that take place in foster homes (Reece and Christian, 2008).
Research approach
In present study there has been a use of deductive approach as the study will move general to
specific. This is being overall foster care homes present in UK to a specific one being child abuse
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that takes place in these homes. Hence the objectives of the research project would be
accomplished (Coolican, 2009).
Research type
Research may be of qualitative or quantitative type (Sobh and Perry, 2006). For the
present project, I will conduct qualitative research. This will be taken from the Google Scholar to
search for journal articles. Descriptive words will further be used in the research.
Data collection
There are two methods of collecting data. They are called primary and secondary data
collection. Primary data collection is concerned with gathering firsthand information specifically
for a particular research. In contrast to this, secondary data is the data which has already been
published previously (Thomas, 2006). For this research on child abuse, I will use secondary data
collection. Information will be obtained from various sources such as books, journals, recognized
online articles, governmental reports. This will be used because it will assist me in gaining
relevant information about the subject matter. I will also use secondary for the reason that it is
easily accessible, less time consuming and less expensive (Sobh and Perry, 2006).
Data analysis
There are two methods of analyzing data. They are qualitative and quantitative data
analysis. In this research, I will use qualitative analysis for analyzing the data. For this, thematic
technique will be used. Data will be evaluated in the form of themes. Quantitative data is another
method which is used for analyze collected information. However, the current research project
will not make use of quantitative data. Therefore, software package will not be used for
analyzing quantitative data (Harrison and Reilly, 2011).
Reliability and validity
In order to successfully accomplish the research project, reliability and validity are
important concepts to be considered. I will pay attention to these aspects by using valid data
collection tools. In order to maintain the reliability of the project, data collection tools such as
case studies, checklists, interviews, surveys, questionnaire etc. has been reviewed. This has been
made in order to choose one best tool that can be applied suitably in the present research
investigation. For secondary data collection, I will use authenticated sources for obtaining
information. These will include Google as an effective search engine, online articles available on
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internet. Along with this, data will be taken from libraries, government and professional bodies
in order to present appropriate and effective data (Coolican, 2009).
Research ethics
Research ethics are significant for every research. These make a research study valid on
moral and ethical grounds. Ethical norms are required to be followed as these ensure that the
researcher has taken care of the interest of others involved in the research (Grafton, Lillis and
Mahama, 2011). The objective of using this ethics in the research work is to promote knowledge,
truth and avoidance of error while conducting investigation. In this regard, I will practice the
following research ethics:
 Proper citation of work- As I will use secondary data in my research, I will ensure that
the works of other authors are properly cited. Adequate care will be taken to maintain
accuracy while citing the works of other authors.
 Human rights: The objective of research ethics is also to take care of the human rights.
The present report will be made by taking in account the assurance of activities that
should be undertaken or not (Harrison and Reilly, 2011). The protection of confidentiality
and privacy has been specially taken into account for safeguarding the human interest and
their rights.
 Compliance with the law: All the laws has been taken care while conducting research.
For instance, equality act, data protection act, will be applied. (Kuada, 2012)
 Plagiarism- Plagiarism is a serious ethical issue. In order to avoid this issue, I will ensure
that the text which is taken from studies of other authors, has been properly paraphrased
(Harrison and Reilly, 2011). This will be applied to all the information which will be
obtained from journals, books, recognized online articles, government reports etc.
 Confidentiality- I will maintain the confidentiality of the participants who were a part of
the primary research studies conducted by other authors.
1.5 Structure of project
The structure of the project has been presented in the form of a Gantt chart
TASK/ week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Formulate research proposal
Formulate research proposal (Task 1
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A)
Research methodology (task 1 B)
Identify relevant literature (Task 1 C)
Implementation of research project
Questionnaire design (Task 2 A)
Data collection and report (Task 2 B)
Evaluation of research outcomes
Data analysis of results (Task 3A/ 3B)
Present findings and discussion
Presentation (Task 4)
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CHAPTER 2- LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
The second chapter of research project is literature review. In this section, I have found
out the views of other authors about research problems which is child abuse in foster care. Views
of different author have been critically analyzed. Arguments have been presented in for and
against, for different views. My research project is on child abuse in foster care and aims to
critically analyze the high incidence of child abuse in UK.
Causes of child abuse
According to Ryan, Leversee and Lane, (2011), the causes of child abuse are complex.
These are dependent on various factors which may be related to the environment of the foster
care, the tender minds of the children, their vulnerability etc. (Ryan, Leversee and Lane, 2011)
There are other factors which become the one of the leading causes of child abuse such as care
giver factors. Personality characteristics of the care givers also act as a cause of child abuse in
foster care. Strathearn et.al., (2009) claim that when children are separated from parents, it
causes damaging effects on their psychological and emotional state. The environment of foster
care is new for them. Thus, they may find it difficult to adjust to the new environment. The new
way of life in the foster care may not be accepted by some children who become emotionally
weak and vulnerable. (Strathearn et.al., 2009)
Their mental, social and emotional development is thus hampered which may be taken as a cause
of abuse. According to Reder and Duncan, (2013), this increases the likelihood of abuse.
Transferring to a new environment disturbs the stability of the parental factors such as care,
attention and support. Neglectful behavior is thus taken to be a type of abuse with which children
suffer (Reder and Duncan, 2013). The present research aims to analyze the high incidence of
child abuse. It can be evaluated that in foster care environment, children may not be given
adequate attention and support as they require from their parents. This can be considered to be
the reason for high incidence of abuse in foster care in UK. This is because in foster care,
children have to adapt themselves to new environment, new friends, different lifestyle which
may not be easy for them.
However, Heim et.al., (2010) provide other causes of child abuse. According to their
views, children are never responsible for victimization. But, there are certain characteristics
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which make them susceptible to abuse. The most exploitable characteristic is the children's need
for affection and attention. In case of sexual abuse, trusted adults take the advantage of 'need for
affection' of child (Heim et.al., 2010). They also abuse the children by taking advantage of their
natural curiosity and desire to be included. It can be analyzed that children share a relationship of
trust with their care takers. Therefore, it becomes difficult for them to interpret the actions done
by the carer as “abuse”. As the children in the care of a care taker are dependent on them and
trust them, the victim may even feel the sense of loyalty the abuser. Due to this, the carers are
encouraged to abuse the victim more. Pierce et.al., (2010) asserted that due to the relationship of
trust and loyalty which is shared between children and the carer, the victim may want the abuse
to stop but he may not want the caretaker to be punished (Pierce et.al., 2010). However, Barth,
(2009) argues that child abuse is caused because of children’s lack of knowledge about the
actions and behavior which is included in abuse. This lack of knowledge makes them more
vulnerable to abuse as the person abusing them is an adult and is aware of their lack of
knowledge (Barth, 2009).
As per the views of Oates (2013), children with disabilities are extremely dependent on
adults. Due to this dependence, their ability to protect themselves becomes limited (Oates, 2013).
It can be analyzed that this may also limit their ability to disclose the wrong deeds that others are
doing to them. As these children are weak and cannot stand for themselves, they become prone
to repeated victimization. Also, children who are mentally challenged become victim of abuse
because of their inability to understand and communicate. Shin, Edwards and Heeren, (2009),
found that younger children are more likely to be abused because of their size and development
status. It is because of this that they become more vulnerable to physical abuse, emotional abuse
and neglect (Shin, Edwards and Heeren, 2009). However, Sousa et.al., (2011) argue that reaction
of adults is also one of the causes of child abuse. The way in which adults react to aversive
crying of children and unresponsive behavior of children may increase the likelihood of abuse.
This is because, if the adult has poor ability to empathize with the child and does not have
control over emotions, the children may not communicate their feelings to them (Sousa et.al.,
2011). This situation makes the child more vulnerable to abuse by other adults who take the
advantage of careless attitude of parents.
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According to Hoff and Mitchell, (2009), certain 'caregiver factors' are also associated
with abuse. These include personality characteristics, psychological well-being, history of abuse
etc. care givers who have low self-esteem often abuse the children physically. Also, some carers
who have a history of child abuse and maltreatment in their childhood are likely to abuse the
children who are in their care (Hoff and Mitchell, 2009). Leatherman (2011) argues that lack of
knowledge and skills regarding child development are also some of the characteristics of abusive
caretakers. Some carers who lack parenting skills overuse physical punishment. Sometimes,
carers have difficulty in coping and self-control and possess general deficiency of interpersonal
skills. Those caretakers are likely to demonstrate abusive behavior (Leatherman, 2011).
Impact of child abuse in foster care on the Health and Social Care
As per the estimate of NSPCC, more than half million children suffer from abuse every
year. Child abuse has profound impacts on the entire life of children (Dugan, 2014). According
to Neigh, Gillespie and Nemeroff, (2009), the effects appear in childhood, adolescence,
adulthood and affect various spheres of the development of individual. When children are
maltreated, there is a higher risk of development of certain problems in children. Physical and
sexual abuse may lead to several negative health and physical effects (Neigh, Gillespie and
Nemeroff, 2009). These may be in the form of bruises, lacerations, broken bones, burns etc.
Physical trauma results in negative effects on physical development. Shaking an infant causes
bleeding and swelling in the pain thus exposing the child severe pain and other problems.
Kimbrough et.al., (2010) found that infants who have been neglected and malnourished
suffer from condition which is called as 'Non organic failure to thrive'. This leads to fall in the
weight, height and motor development of a child (Kimbrough et.al., 2010).
According to AUTHOPRS, children who have been abused in any form suffer from physical,
cognitive, social and emotional difficulties. Chronic physical, sexual and emotional abuse makes
the brain of child 'Wired' and he experiences the world as hostile and uncaring. This negative
perspective has impact on the later interactions of child and makes him overly aggressive or
withdrawn. Begle, Dumas and Hanson, (2010) found that child abuse inhibits the development of
certain regions of brain. Also the child shows problems in controlling his or her emotions. He
may also face problems in interacting properly with people around him or her. The present
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