Initial Health Outcomes of a Community-Based Collaboration for Children in Foster Care

Abstract

Children entering foster care have complex health needs that can persist across the lifespan. Efforts to improve access to primary care services exist; however, few have been tested. This study evaluated the Missoula Foster Child Health Program, a tri-agency, community-based collaboration in Montana, to determine its impact on health outcomes for youth in care. Demographic, health outcome, and child welfare data were collected from 485 children (50 percent male, 50 percent female, aged 0-18). At program admission, children had unmet service needs, lacking a primary care provider (30 percent), a dental provider (58 percent), and required vaccinations (33 percent). Three-quarters of children had at least one health condition, and one-third had a behavioral health concern. Overall, children in the program had significant decreases in physical and behavioral health problems from admission to discharge. Older children and those with fewer placements were more likely to have positive health changes. Data are promising, representing positive health outcomes of a community-based model for children in care.

Keywords: foster care; healthcare; outcomes; primary care.

Figure 1:

The Missoula Foster Child Health (MFCH) Program Workflow Notes: FCC = foster care clinic; CFSD = Child and Family Services Division; HD = Missoula City-County Health Department; EPSDT = Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Exam; POC = plan of care.