Adverse Childhood Experiences and Foster Care Placement Stability.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a child's foster care placement stability in Kansas.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis was conducted by using a purposive cohort sample of 2998 children, from 6 to 18 years old, in Kansas's foster care system between October 2015 and July 2019. Multivariate hierarchical logistic regression models were used to examine the influence of cumulative ACEs on a child's placement stability. ACEs were measured at foster care intake and self-reported by the child. Placement stability variables were obtained through the state administrative database.

RESULTS

Children in foster care with greater cumulative ACE exposure were significantly more likely to experience placement instability. Compared to children with 1 to 5 ACEs, when controlling for all other variables, children with ≥10 ACEs had an increased odds of experiencing placement instability by 31% (odds ratio: 1.31; P < .05); and children with 6 to 9 ACEs had a 52% (odds ratio: 1.52, P < .001) increased odds of experiencing placement instability. A child's race, biological sex, age at episode start, and whether they had siblings in foster care all significantly influenced placement instability.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study, in conjunction with previous research on ACEs and foster care, highlight the need to proactively address ACEs and trauma exposure at foster care entry.