Abstract
Although the foster care systems in North America are set up with good intentions for best practices for foster children, in reality these systems are failing youth in care. Many foster children experience more psychological, social, educational, behavioural, and emotional problems as compared to children who are not in foster care, and this can continue into adulthood. Attachment theory can help to explain why some children experience these problems. Professionals who work with this population need to have a good understanding of foster children’s unique experiences in order to help them as much as possible. Literature has addressed the problems that foster children have faced for decades, but there seems to be little change that happens to address and prevent these problems. There is no doubt that there is a great need for change in the current foster care systems in North America because current outcomes for many foster children are negative. This paper reviews the literature on foster care and explains the issues that foster children experience. It also addresses why the foster care system is failing youth, and gives practical suggestions for solutions.