CHILDREN IN FOSTER-CARE - THEIR PRESENT SITUATION AND PLANS FOR THEIRFUTURE

The present paper describes the situation of children in foster care i n Israel and examines the relationships between their current situatio n and plans for their mode of exit from foster care. The data were col lected as part of the ongoing operation of a clinical information syst em set up for Israel's foster care service. The sample, judged represe ntative, consists of the 590 children on whom annual reports were made by their social workers. Workers reported extremely few cases of seve re conduct problems. Almost no problems were observed in the areas of sexual and physical development. Areas in which problems are more prev alent are those pertaining to sense of identity and belonging, self-es teem and school achievement. Intermediate levels of difficulty were ob served in the areas of behavior problems, ability to be happy and not depressed, and the ability to create interpersonal relationships, both with adults and peers. According to foster care workers, children's c hances of leaving care within the coming year are negligible, and the long-term plan for most children is to remain out of home, mostly in t heir present placement. In the discussion, the authors suggest conside ring foster care as planned permanent placement to help children maint ain their self-esteem and sense of identity.