Introduction: Foster care programs with specialized, exclusive dedication have emerged as an alternative to traditional residential care, aiming to provide more individualized support for children and adolescents.
Purpose: This study evaluates the impact of such a pilot program on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents, compared to a control group in residential care
Method: Over the course of one year, children and adolescents participating in a specialized, exclusive dedication foster care program were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the KIDSCREEN Index, which measures quality of life. Their results were compared to data from a control group residing in traditional residential care facilities. Additionally, qualitative feedback was collected to evaluate the participants' sense of connection with their caregivers.
Results: The pilot group showed significant improvements across multiple mental health indicators as assessed by the SDQ. Quality of life, as measured by the KIDSCREEN Index, increased substantially in the foster care group compared to the control group. Furthermore, children and adolescents in the pilot program reported a heightened sense of connection and emotional bond with their caregivers, a factor that likely contributed to the observed improvements.
Conclusions: Specialized foster care programs with exclusive dedication demonstrate a positive impact on the mental health and overall quality of life of participating children and adolescents. The increased caregiver-child connection may be a pivotal factor in these improvements. The findings support the expansion of such programs as an effective alternative to residential care, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize relational stability and personalized care to enhance mental health outcomes for vulnerable youth.