Foster Parent Perspectives and Experiences with Public Child Welfare

Abstract

Purpose The retention of foster homes remains a concern across the United States; therefore, this study sought to examine foster parent perspectives of their fostering experience, adding to a body of research aimed at improving foster parent retention rates.Methods Qualitative data was collected through individual interviews with foster parents across state jurisdictions.Results Three main themes were identified; caseworker visitation, communication, and engagement, services and supports, and needed resources. Engagement centered around the need for communication, services and supports were broken down further into who was providing services and the types of support being received. Lastly, foster parents discussed resources that were lacking and challenges with current resources.Conclusions It is important for agencies to consider foster parent’s needs for communication outside of monthly home visits. Additionally, agencies should work to build programming to encourage support and ensure that foster parents needs are being adequately assessed on a routine basis.

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