The Dark Reality Behind Foster Care: How Historic Context Shapes Modern Issues
Introduction
The question 'Why do so many foster parents treat the children in their care so badly?' is a loaded one. It touches on deep-rooted socio-economic, cultural, and historical issues that have shaped the foster care system over the decades. This article delves into the complex background of foster care, from the Great Depression to the present day, and examines how historical context influences modern issues in foster care.
Historical Background: The Great Depression and Beyond
Back in the early to mid-1930s, the Great Depression struck the world, particularly the United States, leading to severe economic hardships. Imagine the scenes: falling stocks, failing businesses, skyrocketing unemployment, and foreclosures. By 1932, one in four workers lost their jobs, and families were destitute, with no savings and often no homes. Many children, abandoned by parents who couldn’t provide for them, were either taken in by extended family or sold by desperate parents.
During this time, the simplest solution for survival was to place children with others. Foster homes began to emerge as a way to ensure that these children were provided for. These foster homes did more than house children; they made money. However, discipline was often harsh, and children were sometimes forgotten. Religious institutions, which ran group homes, didn't hesitate to use physical punishment as a form of discipline. Many children faced severe beatings, and some even lost their lives.
This period was not just a distant chapter in history; it eerily echoes the current struggle, including the 2020 pandemic when many children faced similar challenges of being abandoned or given away.
World War II and Its Aftermath
World War II brought a period of uncertainty but also change. Women returned home, and men came back with new jobs created by post-war economic growth. Despite these changes, the number of children needing care still outweighed the number of available parents. The foster care system remained a way to ensure children were not left to fend for themselves.
The foster care system, especially in the 1980s, was still plagued by issues of abuse. Children were mistreated, with physical violence being a common form of punishment. While the harshness of beatings had reduced from previous decades, the mistreatment of children was still rampant.
The 1960s and Beyond: Progress and Challenges
The 1960s marked a significant turning point with the legalization of birth control and a shift in societal values. Women won the right to access the pill, reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies and, in turn, the number of children placed in foster care. This period also saw more people getting educated and embracing a drug culture, further challenging traditional values.
By the late 20th century, the foster care system had evolved, with more social workers and better resources. However, many children still faced harsh treatment, both in foster homes and at home. Some were kicked out early in life, leading them to the streets. Others succumbed to drugs and formed a generation with a sense of entitlement.
Despite these challenges, some children made it to college and university, becoming doctors, teachers, and social workers, and transforming the way society viewed child welfare. Today, although many parents do not believe in hurting children, there are still cases of children being kicked out of the home, often with no support or resources to survive on their own.
Modern-Day Issues
Today, the foster care system continues to face challenges. Government intervention, increased social work resources, and educational shifts have improved the situation, but there is still a long way to go. The issue of child mistreatment is complex and multifaceted. Some children suffer due to the lack of resources, while others are victims of drugs and domestic violence. Parents sometimes kick their children out, claiming they need to toughen up, although children often have legitimate reasons to behave poorly, such as living in unsafe environments or dealing with abuse.
Conclusion
The foster care system, while making strides, is far from perfect, and understanding its historical context is crucial to addressing contemporary issues. By recognizing the past and its impact on the present, we can work towards a better future where children are not only housed but also loved, protected, and cared for.