Introduction The experience of being in foster care can be highly traumatic for children and adolescents, often involving separation from their families, placement changes, and a sense of instability. These challenges can have profound effects on their mental health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Research consistently shows that youth in foster care are disproportionately affected by suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their peers not in foster care (Leathers et al., 2019; Jones et al., 2020). Traditional intervention approaches may not adequately address the complex needs of this population. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies to prevent suicide among children and adolescents …show more content…
Individual counseling allows foster youth to receive personalized support and guidance tailored to their unique needs and experiences. Group Support: Facilitating peer support groups where foster youth can share experiences, offer mutual support, and learn from each other's coping strategies. Group support provides foster youth with a sense of belonging and connection, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters peer relationships and support networks. Family Involvement: Involving foster families in the intervention process through family therapy sessions, psychoeducation, and support networks to strengthen family relationships and provide a supportive environment for the youth. Family involvement is essential for addressing family dynamics, enhancing communication, understanding, and promoting the overall well-being of foster youth. Community Engagement: Collaborating with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma, and promote access to supportive resources and services for foster …show more content…
Strengths and Weaknesses The comprehensive suicide intervention program for children and adolescents in foster care boasts several strengths that augment its potential effectiveness. A key advantage lies in its utilization of creative arts therapies, including art, music, drama, and storytelling, which offer foster youth alternative channels for emotional expression and processing. Research conducted by Stuckey and Nobel (2020) highlights the therapeutic benefits of engaging in artistic activities, such as improved mood, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem. By incorporating these therapeutic modalities into the intervention program, foster children and adolescents can tap into their creativity to explore and communicate their emotions in a safe and supportive environment, potentially leading to more profound therapeutic outcomes. Another strength of the intervention program is its holistic approach to suicide prevention, which addresses the multifaceted needs of foster youth within the context of their families, communities, and support