Special considerations for the health supervision of children and youth in foster care.

Over 76,000 children and youth are in foster care in Canada, and their numbers are increasing annually [1]. Children and youth in foster care have higher than average medical, emotional, developmental and educational needs [2]. These special needs are often chronic, under-recognized and neglected. There are many barriers to health care including lack of or inadequate medical records, lack of consistent care or follow-up due to temporary placements, and difficulty accessing services. There are no practice guidelines specifically designed to meet the health care needs of children and youth in foster care. Despite that, most paediatricians will encounter foster children within their practices.