Male Foster Carers: What Do We Mean by ‘Role Models’?

Abstract

In the last issue of Adoption & Fostering Robbie Gilligan set out the need to focus on the roles of male foster carers. Simon Newstone continues the debate with an examination of how male foster carers perceive their responsibilities, often referred to as providing a ‘positive male role model’ to children. Discussions and interviews with men who foster reveal divergent views about what this role model comprises. A review of literature and research suggests that ‘involved’ male carers can contribute to better outcomes for children, including fostered children. Involved men may offer a ‘nurturing’ or a ‘traditional’ male role model to youngsters. Outcomes in areas such as health, education, and self-care will be improved for looked after young people if male foster carers model good practice, and are actively involved in the children's lives. Agencies need to review the roles they expect male carers to play, and improve the ways in which they acknowledge and support men.