Streaming Media

Course Code

LDR

Course Number

3905

Faculty/Instructor

Professor Dona Mercado

About the Author

Juan R. Escobar is a first-generation Latino UCF student dedicated to leadership and advocacy. This research project would not be doable without the professional guidance of Dr. Kevin G. Brown and Prof. Amy Moncion.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Minorities in the foster care system experience an adverse childhood due to the systemic issues present within foster care. The adversities faced by Latinx and Hispanic youth in the foster care system is a continuous problem causing significant disparities within the foster care system. The problems Latinx/Hispanic youth face are unique to this population in the areas of culture and policy. Disparities show that the current system does not utilize equitable practices and there is progress to be made with child welfare policies. The problem contributes to the social strains on Latinx/Hispanic youth, particularly immigrant youth, who face challenges related to identity, assimilation, and the loss of family ties. Barriers such as language, economic instability, and systemic racism also contribute to the difficulties that Latinx/Hispanic youth and families experience when navigating the foster care system. I learned that although Latinx/Hispanic youth are not overrepresented in foster care, other representation issues exist against this population. Also, each state faces its own problems within their foster care system.

Keywords

Latinx; Hispanic; Youth; Racial Disparities; Ethnic Disparities; Foster Care; Social Work; Family Systems; Child Welfare; Children and Families

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Spring Jan 1st, 12:00 AM

The Adversities of Latinx/Hispanic Youth in the Foster Care System

Minorities in the foster care system experience an adverse childhood due to the systemic issues present within foster care. The adversities faced by Latinx and Hispanic youth in the foster care system is a continuous problem causing significant disparities within the foster care system. The problems Latinx/Hispanic youth face are unique to this population in the areas of culture and policy. Disparities show that the current system does not utilize equitable practices and there is progress to be made with child welfare policies. The problem contributes to the social strains on Latinx/Hispanic youth, particularly immigrant youth, who face challenges related to identity, assimilation, and the loss of family ties. Barriers such as language, economic instability, and systemic racism also contribute to the difficulties that Latinx/Hispanic youth and families experience when navigating the foster care system. I learned that although Latinx/Hispanic youth are not overrepresented in foster care, other representation issues exist against this population. Also, each state faces its own problems within their foster care system.