Child Trends Data Snapshot – 2011
An overview of state and national foster care data for the years 2000 to 2009. Describes how foster care is intended to be a temporary safety measure for abused and neglected children, not a permanent solution. Notes that the overall numbers of children in foster care have been in decline (although some states have seen increases), with a 23% national decrease between 2000 and 2009. The number of children entering foster care has decreased nationally, but some states have experienced increases. Differences in foster care placement statistics among states can be partially attributed to variations in foster care funding, policies, and practices. Includes detailed state data in tabular format, outlining percentage change in number of children in foster care, and entering foster care, between 2000 and 2009.
