ABSTRACT
Physical Health and Foster Youth: Youth in foster care experience a disproportional number of both episodic and chronic physical health problems compared to their peers who are not in foster care. The purpose of the current chapter is to identify the prevalence, nature, and state of physical health among youth in foster care, and to identify possible barriers to care. Possible contributors to the trajectory of physical health of youth in foster care are also discussed (e.g., placement changes). The use of medical services by youth in foster care is also presented as well as the challenges associated with providing consistent, effective medical services to youth in foster care. Finally, recommendations and next steps for the field are provided with particular attention to the scope of what should be standard practice in addressing the physical health of youth in foster care.
