Foster Families Research Articles

Studying Hard-to-Reach Populations applications using river sampling, The case of foster families

This paper presents the application of non-probability sampling – the rivers sample method to reach a group of professional foster parents in Poland – case of hard-to-reach population. This is a population whose public, nationwide register does not exist and additionally, it is kittle known about it in terms of the characteristics of its members, therefore quota sampling was not feasible. River sample method involves recruiting respondents by inviting them to the survey while they are doing some other activity on the Internet. The invitation to take part in the survey can be made through online banners, advertisements, information in forums or e-mails and on thematic websites. It provides a quick, low-cost, flexible way of reaching the group of respondents who are the target but it has its limitations- under-coverage and self-selection – which may affect the bias in the sample and thus the possibility to generalise to populations. Despite those limitations the presented study obtained a sample that reflects the proportions regarding the known characteristics in the population of professional foster carers in Poland: their provincial distribution and diversity of forms. In general, the river sample method works efficiently especially for exploratory studies and hard-to-reach groups.

Психологические особенности семей, решивших сохранить тайну усыновления

For a long time, the state dealt with the problem of raising orphans and children left without parental care through the formation of special institutions, for example, orphanages and boarding schools. However, at the present stage, there is a tendency to raise children not in special institutions, but in foster families, in connection with this, foster parents are granted the right to secrecy of adoption. Adoptive parents can also change the first name, last name, patronymic, and the child’s date of birth for no more than three months in order to maintain the secret of adoption.

The Impacts of Income, Region, and Reason for Placement on Reported Kinship Caregiver Challenges and Needs

Kinship placement has been shown to be superior to foster care in increasing permanency and safety for children. Despite the many benefits of kinship placement, kinship caregivers receive less support than foster family, and this creates unique challenges. This study analyzes data from a state-wide kinship caregiver survey with 868 respondents. Caregivers reported their top three challenges and needs, which were stratified by caregiver-reported income, location of residence, and reasons for the child’s placement into kinship care. We found striking differences in reported challenges and needs based on income, region, and reason for placement. This further demonstrates the need for support for kinship families and can help develop targeted policies to alleviate challenges faced by kinship caregivers across the state.

Perceived functioning of the family system in professional foster families

Perceived functioning of the family system in professional foster families

The social protection aspect of the subjective assessment of the material security of large and foster families: the results of a comparative qualitative study

Modern demographic trends in the field of fertility have led to increased state attention in recent years to issues of social protection of motherhood and childhood, social support for families with children. This trend has resulted in a significant increase in the list and volume of social benefits and other social benefits, and an increase in the number of their recipients. The issue of evaluating the effectiveness of measures taken by the state is becoming increasingly relevant, not only from the standpoint of quantitative statistical indicators, but also by studying the opinion of beneficiaries. The article presents the results of a study aimed at determining subjective assessments of the material security of families with children in connection with their receipt of social protection and support measures. The object of the study is families with children belonging to the categories of large and foster families. By the method of in-depth qualitative interviews, representatives of households of 10 large families and 10 foster families living in large and small cities of the Irkutsk region were interviewed. The author has revealed significant differences in assessments between representatives of different categories of families with children. Large families express dissatisfaction with the following positions: the availability and amount of social benefits; the amount of benefits and the complexity of obtaining them. In conditions of dependence of social benefits on the size of the per capita income of family members, the status of having many children ceases to play a social protection role, not being a significant factor in ensuring the material well-being of the family. On the contrary, foster families note: a significant increase in the amount of payments for the maintenance of foster children and the remuneration of foster parents; an increase in the list and volume of additional social support measures. These measures have made it possible to increase the level of financial security of foster families. Foster parents expressed the need to take into account the needs of foster children not only of a minimal nature, but also related to their development, health maintenance, and additional education. The results obtained made it possible to formulate approaches to solving problems of a social protection nature of the considered categories of families with children. For foster families, it is important to gradually expand measures of social support for foster children based on monitoring needs. In relation to large families, it is necessary to radically change the social protection mechanisms based on the recognition of the status of having many children, which gives the right to receive additional social guarantees.

Weaving webs of well-being: The ethics of navigating religious differences in Christian foster families with foster children of various backgrounds

This article analyzes ethical issues arising in transreligious foster care placements in relation to foster children’s needs regarding religious socialization and identification. Applying Urban Walker’s expressive-collaborative framework to 30 qualitative interviews with foster parents, foster children, parents, and professionals, we elaborate and apply a three-level reflection on Christian foster parents’ ethics of care in everyday practice of foster care. A first-level reflection demonstrates that integrating the foster child in the foster family often leads to predominant Christian socialization of foster children. A second-level reflection demonstrates asymmetry between foster parents and birth parents in the religious socialization of foster children, leading to confusion for the foster child and (potential) conflict with birth parents. Finally, a normative reflection leads us to conclude that foster children in transreligious placements need loose and hybrid moral frames in which they can alter, shift, and navigate their multiple identifications and partialities as part of their development.

Rearing Rodent Pups in Foster Families of Their Own or Another Mammal Species: Survival and Causes of Mortality

Rearing Rodent Pups in Foster Families of Their Own or Another Mammal Species: Survival and Causes of Mortality

When young people age out of care: Foster care in a life course and network perspective

AbstractResearch highlights the importance of supportive relations for young people leaving care. Foster carers give an important contribution to such support. However, there is less knowledge about foster carers' views about the relational contact after the young person has aged out of care. This article explores foster carers' perspectives building on interviews with foster carers from both Norway and Sweden about their views on relational continuity. Life course and network theory are used as theoretical lenses to understand the opportunities and challenges for further contact both with cares and extended foster family. Findings suggest that foster carers have a lifelong perspective, still the relationship can be uncertain and some result in breaks. Viewed from a life course perspective, the relationships can also be renewed, and foster carers and other members of the foster family seem to be important sources of support for young people with a care background.

Foster parenting during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis. Case of Poland

AbstractObjectiveThis article aims to identify new risks for foster families and their institutional environment resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.BackgroundDuring the pandemic, the government in Poland introduced significant restrictions, including social isolation and closures of public institutions. It caused challenges in the foster care system where self‐care has been major issue.MethodIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 45 people who were involved in the foster care system. Participants were recruited using a purposive approach and the snowball method. The interviews were analyzed using a six‐stage thematic analysis.ResultsThe functioning of the foster care system in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic evidenced some practices that challenged carers and children.ConclusionThe foster care system, which is based on the deinstitutionalization paradigm, requires changes and procedural approaches that need to be put in place for the system to be able to adapt to a similar crisis.ImplicationsThis article suggests some social policy solutions to improve the quality of care and parenting services, and the conditions for foster families when institutions in the social environment are closed.

The state and current problems of the development of the foster family institute in the Russian Federation

The development of a civilized society is determined not only by its economic and socio-cultural level, but also by its attitude towards disadvantaged children. Orphanhood as a social phenomenon has existed as long as human society itself, and is an integral element of civilization. Wars, epidemics, natural disasters, and other causes led to the death of parents, as a result of which children became orphans. The article provides an assessment of the state of the institution of foster family in the Russian Federation and identifies current problems of its development.

Family Quality of Life in Foster and Adoptive Families of People with IDD

Family Quality of Life in Foster and Adoptive Families of People with IDD

Resilience among children in foster care: Variability in adaptive functioning and associated factors

ObjectiveVariability in adaptation is common among children exposed to early adversity, with a proportion of this group demonstrating adaptive functioning or resilience. The present study aimed to explore variability in adaptive functioning in social competence, mental health, and school adjustment in a sample of children in foster care, and to assess which factors differentiated resilient children (i.e., showing adaptive functioning across domains) from those who were not resilient. MethodWe assessed 45 children in foster care aged between 4 and 9 years. The analysis was conducted from a multi-method, multi-informant perspective and included domains of functioning or competence (social competence, mental health, and school adjustment), distal factors (adversity and placement factors), and proximal psychological factors (behavioral regulation, emotion understanding, and attachment representations). Following a threshold approach, children were categorized as showing positive or negative outcomes in each domain. Results17 (37.8 %) foster children were found to have positive outcomes in all three domains, whereas 14 (31.1 %) had only one or no positive outcomes. Resilient foster children displayed greater behavioral regulation than the rest of the foster children. ConclusionsThere is great heterogeneity in adjustment among foster children, with a substantial proportion well-adjusted across domains and almost one-third displaying difficulties in two domains or more. Consequently, the available support and interventions for foster families should correspond to this varying level of needs. Behavioral regulation seems a promising intervention target for promoting resilience among children in foster care.

Unheard voices: The living reality of unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan

BackgroundUnaccompanied refugee children are highly susceptible to challenging living conditions, as they lack the presence of biological caregivers. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature, providing valuable insights into a vulnerable population that has been relatively understudied. Moreover, understanding the specific circumstances and difficulties faced by unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan can inform the development of more effective support systems and policies. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan and shed light on their unique challenges and needs. Participants and settingSixteen unaccompanied refugee children residing in Jordan were purposefully selected as participants for the study. They were selected based on accessibility and permission from the responsible entity. The limited number of participants (16) reflects the challenges associated with accessing this group and the need to prioritize their privacy and confidentiality. MethodsTo achieve this goal, a qualitative research approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method in the study, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives in their own words. The collected data were analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis method. Steps were taken to prioritize the well-being and rights of the participants, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and providing psychosocial support when needed. ResultsThe study revealed three primary forms of alternative care provided to unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan: foster families, supervised groups, and institutional care. These findings shed light on the challenges faced by children in each of these care settings. The research unveiled that these children often experience various forms of abuse and violations. ConclusionsUnaccompanied refugee children face numerous challenges and difficulties in destination countries. In light of the study's findings, several crucial recommendations emerge. First, there is an urgent need to strengthen the foster care system in Jordan while ensuring rigorous oversight to safeguard their rights. Moreover, policymakers should prioritize the provision of cost-free, high-quality healthcare and unhindered access to free education for these children.

The Specific Nature of Representing Children’s Interests under Martial Law

Russia’s armed aggression, and the subsequent imposition of martial law in Ukraine, made it necessary to move children to safer areas of the country and abroad. This concerns both children who move with family members (not always legal guardians) as well as children who have no parental care during the process. Due to this issue, the representation of children is of particular importance, in particular in connection with changing the place of the child’s residence, its movement, border crossing, registration of status (such as a child with no parental care, an internally displaced person, a person who received temporary protection, a refugee, etc.), as well as a possible appeal to the court in this regard. This article defines the term “child” according to Ukrainian legislation. It is noted that the definition is age-based — these are people under the age of 18. The legislative division of children into “minors” and “underage” affects the scope of their rights and responsibilities. Further on in the article, the powers of various authorities of Ukraine are determined, which stem from the need to protect the rights of children, especially those who are abroad, in particular in relation to interactions with the relevant authorities of the state where the children reside. It is noted who the legal representatives of the child are and what documents confirm the legal representation. Special attention is paid to the legal representation of children without parental care, along with the question of who can represent children if they move to areas where they have no legal guardians. It is noted that, under the conditions of martial law, the procedure for taking a child into family forms of placement (guardianship, care, foster family, etc.) has been significantly simplified. Unlike the situation under usual conditions, representation in times of martial law is often accompanied by the need to take into account certain special rules introduced during the period of that state, and confirmation of authority can be complicated by actual circumstances (such as evacuation), or the specifics of the settlement of relations of a representative office abroad. At the same time, representation should be carried out with the maximum possible consideration of the best interests of the child.

Frequency of family mealtimes in foster and kinship families

Eating meals as a family is connected to positive mental and physical health of children and parents. However, studies in this area are limited to families with biological parents as caregivers. This ignores millions of children in foster and kinship families, many of whom have experienced trauma and may benefit from consistent mealtimes. Using a merger of the 2017–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, we examined the frequency of family meals between a random sample of children living with a biological parent and those living with foster and kinship families (n = 81,562). We also explored predictors, including child special healthcare needs, of more frequent mealtimes for children living with foster and kinship families (n = 3,358). Results showed that 79 % of foster families ate together most days of the week, and that biological and kin families ate together less frequently. Interaction effects showed foster families caring for children with special needs were at 2.8 greater odds of more frequent mealtimes than children with special needs in kin or grandparent families. Further research is needed to explore how foster parents create the time and space to eat consistent meals, and how those strategies translate to families in the general population.

How does kinship and foster care differ on caregiver-child relationship quality and child and caregiver mental health?

Internationally, there is an increasing preference to place children in kinship versus foster care. While research suggests that kinship care might promote better child mental health and placement stability than foster care, less is known about how these placement types compare on other factors of significance to family wellbeing in out-of-home care, including caregiver-child relationship quality and caregiver strain. We aimed to examine potential group differences on these outcomes in a sample of 101 kinship (N = 30), foster (N = 35), and birth (N = 36) caregivers of 7- to 16-year-olds in Australia. Caregivers completed measures on child mental health (behavioral and emotional adjustment, affect regulation), caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain, and a Five-Minute Speech Sample interview regarding their relational schemas (e.g., attitudes and feelings) about their child. Results showed that kinship and foster care families fared similarly on levels of child mental health, caregiver relational schemas, caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain. However, both groups displayed significantly more challenges in these domains than the birth family comparison sample. Sixty one percent of children in kinship and foster care experienced clinically significant mental health problems, yet many families–particularly kinship care families–had not received adequate professional supports for these challenges. Our findings suggest that families in kinship and foster care experience similar relational and mental health challenges, though they may require services tailored to their unique circumstances.

Foster Care Being a Second Home for Abandoned Children: An Analysis on Cathy Glass’s Saving Danny.

This paper explores the role of foster care as a secondary home for abandoned children and its significance in fulfilling the developmental needs of these youngsters. As biological parents seek support, recovery, and therapy, foster care offers a secure refuge for children and adolescents. Abuse and neglect often necessitate the removal of children and teenagers from their homes, making it imperative to find a secure environment for them. Foster care serves as a refuge for children and teenagers in need, even though it might be challenging to perceive it as a stable environment at first glance. The act of uprooting children from their homes may seem unsettling, but for those who have experienced abuse or neglect, foster care offers a stable and supportive home setting. Foster families provide essential elements like education, meals, shelter, and access to healthcare, which these children may have lacked before entering foster care. This, in turn, positively impacts their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Additionally, foster care can provide biological parents with an opportunity to focus on establishing a stable home environment where their children can eventually return. This research draws inspiration from Cathy Glass's "Saving Danny," a powerful narrative. Cathy Glass is a prolific author with a portfolio of 34 books, each of which offers valuable insights into the lives of children in foster care. Through the lens of Cathy's experiences as a foster carer, these stories shed light on the challenges these vulnerable children face and how a nurturing and loving environment can help them overcome these obstacles.

Meeting the Mental Health and Behavioral Needs of Children and Youth in Rural Foster Care: The Role of Schools

Children and youth in foster care and their caregivers often experience mental health challenges. Rural settings introduce barriers that prevent these youth from accessing such services. Nevertheless, rural area school personnel, and particularly special educators, are positioned to help improve access to mental health services for foster care students, who often qualify for special education services. In this article, we explore ways U.S. school personnel can support this vulnerable population through psychoeducation, mental health screenings and referrals, evidence-based therapies (EBTs), and supportive infrastructure to help students and their foster families access mental health services through schools. With such services, school personnel can help these students improve stability within home life, increase positive life-long outcomes for school performance, decrease incarceration, and reduce drug and alcohol abuse.

Piloting the Mockingbird Family™ in Australia: Experiences of foster carers and agency workers

AbstractGiven that the number of children and young people needing care keeps rising and fewer people are becoming foster carers, efforts to support carers and workers in foster caring are essential. This paper considers the experiences of carers and foster care agency workers involved in Australia's piloting of the Mockingbird Family. With a view understanding experience, data were collected via focus groups with carers and agency workers (n = 20) involved in piloting, implementation and evaluation. Deductive analysis applied the theory of experience to generate understanding of experience, as both intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions to capture strengths in the Mockingbird Family's foster caring networks. These dimensions of experience included collective passions of carers and workers; experiential change over time; collective experiences as a moving force; and experiences as transformational. Understanding of experience associated with the perceived strengths of the Mockingbird Family, including strategies to promote strong professional relationships between carers and workers, is an important element in strengthening environments of children and young people in care. Safe and stable environments are crucial for wellbeing.

The Effect of Family Foster Care vs. Residential Group Care on Educational Attainment

This study investigates the effect of foster care relative to residential group care on enrollment in upper secondary education among Danish children in out-of-home care who were placed out of home at the age six to 14 years (n = 4530). We address the proposition that children placed in family foster care generally have less severe emotional and/or behavioral problems than children placed in residential group care by utilizing a variation in the municipalities’ relative use of foster care among all children placed in out-of-home care. We find evidence that children living in municipalities with a high inclination to use foster care will be more likely to enroll in upper secondary education (p = 0.004). When splitting the sample by gender, we see that the effects are significant only among girls. When looking at potential mechanisms, we find that children in foster care are more likely to attend the school-leaving exams after lower secondary school, while we find no effect on the average standardized test score in the school-leaving exams. As with the main results, these findings apply to the girls only.