Influences on the mental health of children placed in foster care.

Qualitative research methods were used to explore stakeholder perceptions of various influences on foster children's health. Semistructured interviews were conducted with focus groups of foster children, foster parents, and foster care professionals. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis procedures. Themes emerging from this analysis focused primarily on the foster children's mental health, including difficulties associated with perceiving oneself as being different, the children's need for coping strategies, problems encountered with the foster care system, transitions between foster homes, and the need for medical homes. Stakeholder groups recognized the necessity of mutual support for one another and proposed potential solutions for addressing concerns.