More than one in four (27%) children and youth (birth to age 21) in foster care are reported to have a diagnosed Special Health Care Need (SHCN), compared to 21 percent in the general population, according to Child Trends’ update to analysis originally completed in 2020. Among children and youth in foster care with an SHCN—irrespective of age—the two most common SHCNs are “emotionally disturbed” (57%) and “other diagnosed SHCN” (59%). The ‘other’ category includes “conditions other than those noted (emotionally disturbed, visual or hearing impairment, physically disabled, or mental retardation) which require special medical care such as chronic illnesses.”[1]
The prevalence of SHCNs among children and youth in foster care varies by age and increases as children get older: 20 percent of those from birth to age 12 in foster care have a diagnosed SHCN, compared with 39 percent of those ages 13-21. The mean age of those diagnosed with an SHCN is 11. However, some SHCNs do not develop until youth are older and it is recommended that children and youth receive ongoing assessments while in foster care—factors that may contribute to the increase in prevalence among older youth.