FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE BREAKDOWN OF FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS: THE PERSPECTIVES OF FOSTER PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS

Rosina Mnisi,Petro Botha

doi:10.15270/52-2-502

Rosina Mnisi, Petro Botha

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.15270/52-2-502

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Abstract

This article describes the factors contributing to the breakdown of foster care placements of adolescents from the perspective of the foster parents and adolescents involved. It was found that all the placements in the sample were kinship foster care placements. Although similar factors were identified, the perspectives of foster parents and adolescents differed. Disruptive behaviour of adolescents, including substance abuse, inappropriate sexual behaviour and involvement in the occult were identified. Physical and emotional abuse by foster parents and the involvement of biological parents were also isolated as contributory factors. Recommendations for practice and further research were made.

Highlights

AND PROBLEM FORMULATION Gelders (2011:140) states that in South Africa one in five children has lost one or both parents
Sub-theme 4.1 provides the perspectives of foster parents and adolescents on the involvement of social workers, and in sub-theme 4.2 advice is given to foster parents as to how foster care breakdown could be prevented
From the biographical details it was clear that all the placements that broke down were kinship foster care placements

Summary

Introduction

AND PROBLEM FORMULATION Gelders (2011:140) states that in South Africa one in five children has lost one or both parents. The placement of children in alternative care has an entry and an exit point. The ideal exit point from foster care is not always reached, because foster care often breaks down. Studies done indicate that foster care placements of adolescents are more likely to break down than those of younger children (Biehal, in Schofield & Simmonds, 2009:171-172; Booysen, 2006:20; Farmer, Moyers & Lipscombe, 2004:9). Various factors can contribute to the disruption in foster care, namely conduct problems, emotional difficulties, aggression, over-activity and inappropriate sexual behaviour (Farmer et al, 2004:95-100; Sinclair, Wilson & Gibbs, 2005:152-154; Schofield & Simmonds, 2009:171-172)

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