Assessing access to art therapy programs among individuals in the foster care system

Research shows that youth in foster care who exit care, struggle with education, employment, and overall health compared to the non-fostered general population. Despite being useful, there is minimal research on art therapy being used as a resource for youth in foster care. This research assesses access to art therapy programs among youth in foster care. If art therapy resources are offered, the study aims to determine if they generally improve children's attitudes and outlooks toward the future, and whether these resources ought to be implemented or referred to youth in foster care. Seven professionals working with youth in foster care participated in interviews focused on common needs among youth in care, youth’s general outlooks, art therapy availability, and whether art therapy improved youth’s future outlooks. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for recurring themes. Six prevalent themes emerged across interviews: communication tools, receptiveness, regulation tools, arts integration, benefit of control, and barriers to access. Participants reported art therapy helped to providing youth with non-verbal communication tools. Professionals noted that youth in foster care are more receptive to art therapy compared to traditional talk-therapy, giving them a means to express themselves more appropriately. Many participants revealed that art therapy provided youth with regulatory tools. Nearly all participants revealed that barriers to access art therapy included lack of funding and service providers. Although some participants conveyed a lack of art therapy resources, many reported integrating art into traditional therapy practices to build rapport and trust with youth. Youth in foster care are at risk of instability as adults. Access to art therapy programs appear to be limited. Art therapy could mitigate future instability by warming youth up to therapy and providing them with a healthy coping skills.