In examining the Maslow hierarchy of needs 1. How can the Maslow model be utilized for either evaluating or in providing support mechanism for children in foster care? 2. What's the key responsibilities of the social care worker in supporting children in foster care? 3. Provide evidence where a National social policy shaped and enhanced the running and administration of foster care as an alternative to home care for children ?

Question 1

The following needs of children in foster care were identified and met using Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Children in foster care have special medical needs. In comparison to their classmates, foster children have more complex medical demands. Children must be physically and intellectually healthy, or at the very least as good health as their medical circumstances allow.

Children in foster care have a strong need to belong. Children have a critical need to form caring and supportive ties with their foster families. Children should be given a stable, affectionate, and safe living environment in order to form loving ties with foster parents.

Foster children's psychological need. The development of self-esteem is important for the well-being and daily performance of children in care. Children should be involved in decisions concerning their care in order to satisfy their demand for autonomy and individuality.

Children's needs for self-actualization.  There is a need to better understand the educational results of foster children and what prevents them from succeeding in school. Foster parents should encourage their children to succeed in school and provide excitement and input to help them develop cognitively.

Question 2

The social care worker's responsibilities include both support and supervision of the foster carer's work. They are responsible for ensuring that children are properly fed, checking on their living standards, offering assistance to foster parents in need, monitoring a child's progress, and assisting in the placement of children into suitable foster families.

Question 3

The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018, the most recent attempt to reform foster care, aims to reduce the utilization of foster care while also improving the quality of care. The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 included several provisions that have a significant impact on family foster care homes, such as a significant effort to define foster parent and foster home requirements across states, such as highlighting that a foster home can only have a maximum of six children (exceptions qualify) and funding to improve interstate foster placements of children.

Step-by-step explanation

Question 1

To enhance the health outcomes of children in foster care, medical problems should be identified, personal care plan should be established, and medication and other services should be provided. As soon as a child enters foster care, they should be tested and checked for medical issues, which should be done as quickly as possible.

Foster parents can provide a safe haven for the children by being available, assisting them in managing their behavior and emotions, boosting their self-esteem, assisting them in feeling effective, and assisting them in having a sense of belonging in the foster home. Children in foster care who have a strong perceived quality of caregiver interaction are less likely to become depressed.

Parenting that is attentive and sympathetic is critical for meeting self-esteem, coping, and self-regulation requirements. Children in foster care require the understanding of those around them in order for their environment to be receptive to the messages they send.

Children in foster care who participate in extracurricular activities had a lower risk of substance misuse and depression. When children have learning difficulties, a variety of solutions can be used, including remedial education, supplemental classroom support, speaking, and reading. 

Question  2

The social worker will make sure that the foster carer has enough social work and other appropriate support, knowledge, and advice to be able to provide consistent, high-quality care for the child or young person placed in their home. They provide crucial guidance and support in order to help youngsters reach their greatest potential. The role of the social worker is to act in the child's best interests, making big plans for the child in care and ensuring that all of their needs are met.

Question 3 

National Model Foster Home Licensing Standards were produced by the Agency for Children and Families. Many of the new rules concern home safety, such as requiring smoke alarms, healthy heating, drinkable water, no tobacco in the house, and up-to-date vaccines for all members of the household. Some of the requirements are centered on the foster parents' physical and mental health, and include a physical health checkup as well as declaration of substance abuse and mental illness. Setting the maximum number of foster children in a household helps to guarantee that all of those requirements are readily satisfied. By providing the greatest alternative therapies for children, the Family First Prevention Service Act has changed and improved the operating and management of foster care services.