Foster Children, PTSD and Mental Health

Former foster children are twice as likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as Iraq war veterans, according to the 2005 Northwest Foster Care Alumni study. More than 20 percent of adults formerly in foster care are doing well—but most, however, face major challenges in the areas of mental health, education, and employment. One-third are living at or below the poverty level, and nearly a quarter experienced homelessness some time after leaving foster care. Changes in foster care services can help.