The article examines the use of group care for young children in California, comparing it to foster family care. It highlights that group care is less stable and less likely to result in adoption compared to foster care. Young children make up a significant portion of children in out-of-home care, and while group care is used less frequently than foster care, it remains a significant placement option. The study found that group care placements are associated with lower rates of adoption and more frequent reentry into care. Research on the effects of group care on young children shows that they may experience more attachment issues, lower social competence, and developmental delays compared to children in foster care. Long-term outcomes for children in group care are also less favorable, with higher rates of arrests, drug use, and lower satisfaction with life. The article concludes that group care is not an appropriate placement for very young children and that foster care, especially when provided by trained foster parents, is a better alternative. The study also notes that placement criteria for group care are often vague and inconsistent, and that specialized foster care may be a more effective and appropriate placement for young children. The article emphasizes the importance of stability and family-like environments for young children and suggests that group care should be used sparingly and only when necessary.The article examines the use of group care for young children in California, comparing it to foster family care. It highlights that group care is less stable and less likely to result in adoption compared to foster care. Young children make up a significant portion of children in out-of-home care, and while group care is used less frequently than foster care, it remains a significant placement option. The study found that group care placements are associated with lower rates of adoption and more frequent reentry into care. Research on the effects of group care on young children shows that they may experience more attachment issues, lower social competence, and developmental delays compared to children in foster care. Long-term outcomes for children in group care are also less favorable, with higher rates of arrests, drug use, and lower satisfaction with life. The article concludes that group care is not an appropriate placement for very young children and that foster care, especially when provided by trained foster parents, is a better alternative. The study also notes that placement criteria for group care are often vague and inconsistent, and that specialized foster care may be a more effective and appropriate placement for young children. The article emphasizes the importance of stability and family-like environments for young children and suggests that group care should be used sparingly and only when necessary.