Description of Indicator
This dataset describes the number of children from age 0 to 20 in foster care from October to September in each one-year period. The percentage of children in foster care is calculated based on the population aged 0 to 19. This indicator also determines the percentage of children from 0 to 19 years old in foster care by race and Hispanic origin.
Why is it important?
Assessing incidences of foster care placement reveals the extent of child mistreatment, the need for system improvement or change, and the impact of existing policies and programs on the well-being of vulnerable children. Furthermore, children living in underserved areas and those identifying as non-White have been disproportionately represented in the foster care system. This disparity reflects broader systemic challenges related to resource access and socioeconomic inequality.
How is the region performing?
Although no data was available for the three-county region from October 2018 to September 2019, the population of children in foster care dropped slightly over the period analyzed in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. However, from 2016-2017 to 2021-2022, the number of children in foster care increased in Wayne County. However, the number of children in foster care decreased slightly in the 2021-2022 compared to the prior period. Recent data regarding the percentage of Wayne County children in foster care by race and Hispanic origin were unavailable.