Understanding PTSD and the Effects of Growing Up in Foster Care

Children in foster care often go through things no child should have to face. Many have lived through trauma like abuse, neglect, or losing their families. The effects of growing up in foster care can cause long-lasting effects, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), learning difficulties, and challenges in relationships.

Former foster care youth are twice as likely to suffer from PTSD as U.S. war veterans, making the role foster parents play important to helping them heal. But to do that, they need to understand what these children have been through and how it affects them.

What Does PTSD Look Like in Foster Children?

PTSD happens when someone lives through something scary, painful, or shocking and can’t fully process it. 

For kids in foster care, this could include being taken from their homes, living through violence, or not having basic needs met. Some signs of PTSD in younger kids aged 0-6 years old include:

• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Angry outbursts or shutting down
• Changes in the way they play, or isolating themselves
• Regressive behavior (like bed wetting after potty training)
• Reenacting a traumatic event(s)
• Being easily startled or hypervigilent
• Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of a traumatic event
• Difficulty concentrating in school or while playing

And sometimes physical symptoms like changes in appetite or frequent headaches and stomachaches. 

In older kids and teens, things like risky behavior, self-harm, strong emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, depresion, and a drop in grades can be signs of PTSD as well.

PTSD doesn’t look the same in every child. Very frequently it shows up in behavior instead of words. That’s why foster parents need to be patient, observant, and understanding.

Knowing the signs of trauma can help parents understand that their child’s actions are more than just “misbehaving,” but a signal of something more.

Academic Struggles Are Common in Kids with PTSD

Many children in foster care fall behind in school. This adds onto the fact that they may have switched schools several times or missed a lot of classes. Their trauma can make it harder for them to concentrate, remember things, or feel safe enough to learn. Support can make a huge difference! Foster parents can help by:

• Creating a stable home environment
• Working closely with teachers and counselors
• Celebrating small wins in school
• Getting tutoring or therapy if needed

Even if a child is behind now, with the right support, they can catch up over time.

Relationships Later in Life

Trauma in childhood can affect how kids build relationships as adults. They may struggle with romantic relationships, friendships, or even being part of a family. Some might fear being abandoned, while others might become overly attached. These patterns often connect to something called attachment theory.

Attachment theory explains how relationships—especially with caregivers—shape how we connect with others. If a child’s first relationships are painful, unsafe, or unpredictable, they may carry that fear into adulthood. This can make it hard to trust others or feel secure in close relationships. But with the right support, these patterns can begin to change.

READ MORE: What is Attachment Trauma in Foster Care?

Consistent care, stable routines, and meeting a child’s emotional and physical needs are key. When kids experience stable support and love, they start to feel safe. Over time, they may learn to trust others, manage their emotions, and form meaningful connections with caregivers, friends, and eventually partners. 

Studies show that attachment disorders can decrease when a child is placed in a stable foster care environment. The earlier children receive support, the more likely they are to heal from trauma and grow into adults who can form meaningful, lasting connections.

How Foster Parents Can Help

Many kids in foster care have PTSD because of past trauma like abuse, neglect, or being separated from family. Foster parents can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and heal. Here’s how foster parents can help:

• Keep a routine – Regular mealtimes, bedtime, and activities help kids feel safe and know what to expect.
• Stay calm and patient – Kids with PTSD might get scared or angry easily. Calm, caring responses help them feel secure.
• Create a safe space – A quiet, peaceful home helps reduce stress and triggers.
• Learn about trauma – Taking trauma-informed parenting classes helps foster parents understand behaviors and respond with care.
• Support therapy – Many kids need counseling with a therapist who understands trauma. Foster parents can encourage and support this.
• Be consistent – Trust takes time. Showing up every day with love and support helps kids feel like they matter.

Even small things—like listening, being kind, or staying patient—can be huge for a child with PTSD. Healing takes time, but it starts with one safe adult.

READ MORE: 6 Tips for Being Mindful of Trauma During the Holidays

Trust Takes Time

One of the hardest effects of growing up in foster care is learning to trust again. If adults in a child’s past hurt or abandoned them, they might expect the same from new caregivers. A child may test boundaries, push people away, or act like they don’t care. But often, they’re just protecting themselves from getting hurt again.

Foster parents should show consistency, keep promises, and give love without expecting something back right away. Over time, trust can grow.

Over Time, Healing Is Possible. Be Patient!

The effects of growing up in foster care can be deep, but they’re not permanent. With love, patience, and understanding, foster children can heal and grow. Foster parents who take the time to learn about PTSD, attachment, and trauma can give these kids something they may never have had before—a safe and steady home.