Why Do Foster Care Placements Disrupt? An Investigation of Reasons for Placement Change in Foster Care

Abstract

This study examines the reasons for placement changes in foster care and analyzes determinates of the rate of behavior‐related placement change. Findings indicate that 20 percent of all changes are behavior related. Older age, externalizing behaviors, and emotional abuse increase the hazard of behavior‐related changes. The risk is lower when the child spends more days in kinship care. Having numerous system‐ or policy‐related moves does not increase risk of behavior‐related changes. Risk is highest during the 100 days after entry into care, suggesting that factors contributing to behavior‐related placement change might be present when a child enters care.