Fostering connections and medical homes: Addressing health disparities among children in substitute care

Children in the child welfare system are disproportionately at risk for physical and mental health problems. In response to these disparities, recent federal legislation, the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, mandated that state child welfare agencies implement the medical home concept as one component of improving services to children in substitute care. This article discusses the current state of health services for children in foster care, obstacles to accessing care, and policies enacted to address disparities. A brief discussion of legislation in Texas is offered as an example of how medical homes may be useful in addressing the mandate of the Fostering Connections legislation and improving health outcomes for children in foster care. The special challenges of medical homes within the foster care population are discussed along with the opportunities present.