Abstract
The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Adolescents in Home-Based Foster Care
Sawyer M G~~Carbone J A~~et al
This study identified the prevalence of mental health problems, rates of suicide ideation & behaviour, & use of professional mental health services among children & adolescents residing in home-based foster care. These rates were compared with those reported for children & adolescents in the general Australiam community. 326 children & adolescents were included in a cross-sectional survey conducted in Adelaide between August 2004-January 2006. 6.7% of 13-17-year-olds in home-based foster care reported a suicide attempt requiring medical treatment in the previous year. Caregivers reported 53.4% of children needed professional help for their mental health problems but only 26.9% had obtained help in the previous 6 months. (17 refs.)