Foster children's behavior problems and impulsivity in the family and school context

This study analyzed foster carers' and teachers' assessments of behavior problems and impulsivity/inattention in 104 children in foster care (56 boys and 48 girls). The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised were completed by foster parents, while the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) and the Conners' scale were completed by teachers. One of the main findings of the study was the high degree of agreement between foster carers' and teachers' views regarding externalizing problems. However, carers perceived more problems related to impulsivity/inattention than did teachers. Two further findings were that foster boys present more externalizing problems and impulsivity/inattention than do foster girls, and also that foster children with poor school performance exhibit more behavior problems and more impulsivity/inattention. Age, however, did not appear to influence the extent of behavior problems or impulsivity/inattention. These findings regarding behavioral problems and impulsivity/inattention in foster children suggest that these children, as well as their carers and teachers, should be regarded as key targets for support services.