Foster Youth, Child Abuse, and Head Trauma: Navigating the Treatment Gap for Victims of Abuse-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Foster Care System
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Date
2023
Authors
O'Connor, Claire
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Abuse-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Foster youth are particularly vulnerable to abuse and significantly more likely to experience an abuse-related TBI than their non-foster peers. TBIs can worsen over time and prompt medical attention produces the best outcomes. However, children in the foster care system may face significant challenges in receiving medical care during the optimal time frame, preventing proper treatment. This thesis examines the specific barriers that foster youth face in accessing care and identifies new protocols and procedures that have the potential to overcome these obstacles. Psychological barriers, including fear, guilt, denial, and loyalty, combined with environmental factors such as ignorance, neglect, limited resources, and lack of awareness, can impede proper treatment and follow-up care for abuse-related TBIs. By implementing more accurate identification processes, treatments that are effective in the subacute and chronic phases of TBI, and a comprehensive rehabilitation approach, flexible avenues of treatment can be pursued to enhance long-term outcomes and support the recovery of foster youth affected by abuse-related TBIs.
Description
93 pages
Keywords
foster youth, child abuse, traumatic brain injury