NCJ Number
216587
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2006 Pages: 1129-1142
Date Published
October 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study examined the characteristics of current foster families, with attention to predictors of foster parents' satisfaction with being a foster parent and their intent to continue as foster parents.
Abstract
The study found that a desire to protect children from further harm and provide a loving home were the most frequently mentioned reasons for being a foster parent. The desire to increase family income was the least endorsed reason for being a foster parent. Satisfaction in being a foster parent was related to the foster parents' perceptions of working as a team, communicating with, and having mutual trust with the child welfare agency and its personnel. Negative relationships with agency staff were linked to thoughts of quitting foster parenting. Child welfare agencies can increase the satisfaction and retention of foster parents by developing close working relationships with them, accepting them as contributors in the larger service planning for the child, and crediting foster parents for their knowledge of and experience in working with foster children. A sample of 652 foster parents completed a survey that consisted of 139 items, including the Foster Parent Satisfaction Survey. Data were collected on the foster parents and their families, as well as the foster children. 4 tables and 32 references