Positive family relationships are important for child well-being. However, family relationships are unique for youth in out-of-home child welfare placements because they involve both biological and foster parents. The aim of this study was to test the interactive association between current caregiver involvement and contact with biological parents on youths' externalizing symptoms using a sample representative of youth in out-of-home child welfare placements in the United States. Findings supported a significant interaction between current caregiver involvement and the amount of biological parent contact on youths' externalizing symptoms, such that there was a more pronounced buffering effect of high caregiver involvement on youth externalizing symptoms when there was more frequent youth contact with biological parents. Results can be used to support education initiatives about the importance of visitation for caseworkers and parents, and interventions aimed at promoting positive biological family and foster parent relationships focused on the best interests of the child.
Keywords: attachment; child mental health; child welfare; externalizing symptoms; foster care; foster parent; visitation.