NCJ Number
218926
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 295-310
Date Published
March 2007
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The main purposes of this study were determination of the prevalence of depressive symptoms among foster caregivers; the social-demographics, risk factors, and social support that predicts depressive symptoms; and whether social support buffered the effects of the risk factors in the Illinois Foster Caregivers Study.
Abstract
The foster caregivers exhibited few depressive symptoms, with only 1 respondent of the 189 respondents scoring in the clinical range. Contrary to past research with the general population, foster caregivers who reported higher incomes were at increased risk for depressive symptoms. The three risk factors--experiencing less than excellent or very good health, childhood maltreatment, and insufficient time to perform responsibilities--were related to higher levels of depressive symptoms. Foster caregivers who reported that their support group was helpful had a decreased risk of reporting depressive symptoms. There was no evidence that social support buffered the effects of the risk factors. The authors conclude that the study findings indicate the foster caregivers were adequately screened for depression; however, resources and opportunities for health care services, treatment for trauma related to childhood maltreatment, and guidance for managing responsibilities might decrease the risk for depressive symptoms. Telephone interviews were used to collect data from the 189 foster caregivers, who lived in Illinois. The respondents were identified through the management information system of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services in September 2002. The pretested survey questionnaire included valid and reliable scales for the measurement of depressive symptoms and an adult report of childhood maltreatment. 2 tables and 84 references