Course Code
LDR
Course Number
3905
Faculty/Instructor
Professor Dona Mercado
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
Recommended Citation
Escobar, Juan, "The Adversities of Latinx/Hispanic Youth in the Foster Care System" (2025). LEAD Scholars Academy Showcase. 9.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ulead-showcase/2025spring/posters/9
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.