Abstract
This quantitative study explores the relationship between depression and co-existing
behavioral issues in 30 foster youth (16 and 18 years) from a foster family agency in a rural community. The study reviewed secondary data files of foster youth who were identified as depressed by a caseworker, another professional, or a mental health professional. A chi-square analysis was performed to measure the following: age, externalized behavioral and internalized behavioral reactions, social supports, and maltreatment type with seeing a mental health professional. The hypothesis that foster youth (16-18 years old) with depression who received mental health services would have fewer externalized behavioral reactions [X2 17.33, p=.311] and internalized behavioral reactions [X2 15.533, p=.214] was not confirmed. However, it was found that foster youth who were younger had a higher chance of seeing a mental health professional [X2 9.292, p=.010]. Interestingly, youth who were 18 years old received no psychological counseling. The findings further revealed that the type of maltreatment was significantly associated with seeing a mental health professional [X2 7.020, p=.048]. That is, individuals who were sexually abused were more likely to see a mental health professional. Youth with a maltreatment type of neglect had a higher chance of not receiving psychological counseling. Not expected was that youth who were physically abused were less likely to receive psychological counseling than individuals who had a maltreatment type of neglect.