Improving the Health Care of Foster Children Throughout the US: Texas, a Case Example

Abstract

Children who have been exposed to the foster care system comprise a high-risk, vulnerable, and potentially medically complex population that has both poor health and poor access to health care. This review with Texas as a case example aims to describe the health and health care issues impacting children in foster care (CFCs), the state and federal level mechanisms to ensure appropriate funding for the health care of CFCs, and recent legislative efforts to improve the health and health care access for CFCs. The review discusses potential solutions in regards to improving the health of CFCs through four main domains: facilitating integration of care through delivery mechanisms such as the medical home; understanding the role of trauma and toxic stress and consequently the impact of trauma-informed care on the health of CFCs; improving mental health screening efforts and tools; and enhancing access to appropriate mental health care services.