When Foster Care is Called “Home”: Risk and Protective Issues

Aim: The aim of this study was to understand in depth the differences that exist between adolescents in foster care and adolescents living with their families (living with mother and father; living with mother or father; living with mother and stepfather; living with father and stepmother).

Methodology: The Portuguese HBSC survey included 6026 students (47.7% were boys).

Results: Adolescents in foster care when compared with their peers, show more risk behaviours such as: smoking, being drunk and being more violent. These adolescents often report that they are sad, nervous and angry, are more frequently worried, and practice less physical activity.

Conclusion: Health promotion interventions with adolescents in foster care, similarly to those living in different types of family structures are important because they may prevent risk behaviours and promote health and well-being.