Consensus statement on developmentally appropriate policy and practice for adolescents in foster care

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.

Duke Scholars

Author Kenneth A. Dodge Sanford School of Public Policy