The Relationship Between Caregivers and Youth in Foster Care: Examining the Relationship for Mediation and Moderation Effects on Youth Behaviors

Youth in foster care often experience many negative outcomes. Fortunately, the empirical examination of potential protective factors is beginning to grow. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence that a warm relationship with one’s caregiver has on the well-established association between trauma symptoms and youth reports of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to explore the impact of this protective factor on this association. A warm relationship with a caregiver was a significant moderator of trauma and youth report of internalizing behaviors. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.