Health-Issues AAP.org > Advocacy & Policy > AAP Health Initiatives > Healthy Foster Care America > Health Issues and Needs Healthy Foster Care AmericaAboutAbout-UsGoalsLISTSERVContact UsAdvocacy and PoliciesAdvocacy InitiativesHealth Issues and NeedsPhysical HealthOral HealthMental and Behavioral HealthDevelopmental HealthEducational HealthPhysical Health Oral Health Mental and Behavioral Health Developmental Health Educational Health Health SystemsHealth Systems of CareHealth Care StandardsAddressing BarriersHealth Care ManagementModels of CareKey ResourcesPrimary Care ToolsTrauma GuideFostering HealthMOC Part IIFrequently Asked QuestionsResource LibraryHealth Insurance for Young Adults Who Used to Be in Foster CareConference Recordings Health Issues and Needs An effective health system ensures that all partners (child welfare, judicial, pediatric, mental and dental health professionals, and families) work together to respond to, manage, and improve the health and well-being of those in foster care. Physical Health Children and teens have often received only fragmentary and sporadic health care prior to entering foster care. Oral Health Dental and oral health care remains some of the most difficult health services to access for children and teens in foster care. Mental and Behavioral Health Mental and behavioral health is the largest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. Developmental Health Healthy child development is rooted in the experiences of infancy and early childhood —experiences that are mediated for the child through their parents and caregivers. Educational Health Educational health is not a term often used or heard. For children and teens in foster care, educational health is particularly critical. RELATED ITEMS View all Advertising Disclaimer