Background:

Foster care can be an alternative if a child cannot stay in their biological family. Many children in foster care do not have a good mental health because of their situation and earlier experiences. John Bowlby's attachment theory provides an explanation of mental health and development in children. It is important for children to have at least one person to attach to. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate factors that affect the mental health and development of children in foster homes. Method: In this literature review nine qualitative and quantitative articles were analyzed, which resulted in three themes. Results: The first theme deals with how important the foster parents are. How they act and how they support their foster children affect the children's mental health. The second theme describes the importance of stability in the foster home and the last theme describes the effect that continuity of school and other activities have on the mental health and development of the foster children. Conclusion: Children in foster care need homes where they can attach to their foster parents. It is important for the children to have and feel stability in one foster home and that they are not forced to move to new foster homes. Continuity in school and activities has an important role in making them involved in family and it is critical that they can keep contact with friends and other people who are involved in their activities