Supporting Health, Wellbeing, and Successful Transitions for Children and Youth in Foster Care

For children and youth who become involved with the child welfare system, access to health care can promote health and wellbeing and mitigate harm. For those experiencing trauma as a result of family separation and other circumstances related to their involvement in child welfare, consistent access to physical and mental health services is critical for healing and can prevent future challenges. For children returning home, consistency in coverage and health care promotes stability and family wellbeing by supporting stable relationships with trusted providers. For youth aging out of foster care, it ensures timely access to health care services without delays due to eligibility determinations, coverage gaps, or disruptions in providers.

Simply put, consistent health coverage and care matter for all children and youth, regardless of where they are living or their circumstances. This resource highlights key recommendations to ensure children and youth can have access to the care and coverage they need know, and moving forward.

See the related full brief here: Consistent Health Coverage and Care: Supporting Health, Wellbeing, and Successful Transitions for Children and Youth in Foster Care.

Suggested citation: Citrin, Alexandra. “Consistent Health Coverage and Care: Supporting Health, Wellbeing, and Successful Transitions for Children and Youth in Foster Care; Policy Recommendations” Center for the Study of Social Policy, January 2026. Available at: https://cssp.org/resource/supporting-health-wellbeing-and-successful-transitions-for-children-and-youth-in-foster-care/