The Non-Traditional Role of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Foster Care

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to serve as a call to action for occupational therapy services within the foster care system. Individuals in the foster care system have a higher prevalence of mental and physical health concerns due to trauma-related stress. Furthermore, children in the system face gaps in developmental needs, special education services, and socioemotional management. Occupational therapy brings a distinct skill set to the child welfare system’s interdisciplinary team by utilizing knowledge and experience to enhance engagement and participation on individual, community, and system-wide levels. Occupational therapy practitioners can provide children in the foster care system with knowledge on how to best navigate their physical, emotional, and social environments. In addition, occupational therapists have the background to help reduce burnout in caregivers of children in foster care by providing them with education and can better prepare youth transitioning out of foster care by maximizing role competency. Occupational therapy practitioners provide client-centered care, which is critical in the foster care environment.