Caseload Dynamics and Foster Care Reentry

Abstract

In recent years, foster care caseloads have been on the rise. This article examines foster care reentry in New York State to determine what role, if any, foster care reentry plays in caseload dynamics. In addition, the placement histories of individual foster children are studied in an effort to uncover the characteristics of children that are associated with reentry. Last, the analysis examines the relationship between brief placements and cohort size as one indicator of a possible interaction between the supply of foster care beds and the placement experience of children.