How foster caregivers influence the development of youth in foster care
Official title: Practices of Foster Caregivers and the Developmental Outcomes of Youth in Foster Care: A Multi-Method Investigation
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10887102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how kids in foster care are affected by their caregivers and aims to find out what helps or hinders their growth, so we can better support foster parents and improve the lives of these young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,818 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HD112700-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are currently in foster care or have recently been placed in foster care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in foster care or who are older than 11 years may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the experiences of youth in foster care and the impact of foster caregivers on their developmental outcomes. It aims to identify risk and protective factors that affect these youth, particularly focusing on the differences in outcomes based on the caregiving environment. By analyzing existing longitudinal data and documenting the practices and perceptions of foster parents, the study seeks to understand how supportive caregiving can enhance the wellbeing of children in foster care. The findings could inform training and interventions for foster caregivers to improve outcomes for these vulnerable youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved training and support for foster caregivers, ultimately enhancing the developmental outcomes for youth in foster care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that supportive foster care environments can lead to better outcomes for youth, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Anna Waters — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Wright, Anna Waters
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.