title: The physical and mental health of children in foster care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate physical and mental health in children in foster care and comparison with general population.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study is carried out between September 2011 and April 2012 into nine group homes in Rome. It involved 112 children ranging in age 2-17 years, living in temporary care facilities or institutes. All data came out of clinical history and physical exams, validated by a pediatrician. Such data were being then compared with samples of general population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant themes were high percentage of children with psychiatric disorders in foster care (22.3%); high percentage of psychiatric disorders diagnosed immediately while arriving at the foster care (56%); no significant differences in weight, height and BMI between children in foster care and general population; significant differences (P<0.05) for allergy, gastrointestinal diseases and caries between children in foster care and general population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that the physical health of children in group homes is no worse than that of children living care in their own homes and that the foster care provides necessary conditions to support the growth of the children and their physical, mental and social needs.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Paediatrics, Catholic University, "A. Gemelli" Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Lorenza
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Romani
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bottaro
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ianniello
authors.forename: Giovanna Carmela
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Fabrizio
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chiaretti
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alvaro
keywords: Foster care; Health; Institutes; Italy; Psychology