More Families Needed For State's Foster Youth

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — A new study found of the 18,000 children in foster care in Florida, 13-percent live in group homes instead of with a family.

The national report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that Colorado had the highest number of foster kids in group placement at 35 percent.

The foundation said these placements have been shown to be harmful to a child's opportunities to develop strong, nurturing attachments. Those who grow up in group placements are also at greater risk of being abused and being arrested.

Group placements can also cost seven to 10 times the amount it takes if a child was living with a relative or foster family. The report found 40 percent have no clinical need to be in such restrictive settings.

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the issue Tuesday.

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