A Psychometric Evaluation of the Cultural Receptivity in Fostering Scale

Abstract

Abstract:Objective: The psychometric properties of a new measure of foster parents' openness toward participating in activities that promote children's cultural development are evaluated. The measure is titled the Cultural Receptivity in Fostering Scale (CRFS). Method: Data from 304 foster mothers who completed the CRFS and a battery of measures on psychosocial functioning are analyzed. Results: The CRFS demonstrates excellent internal consistency reliability and, to some extent, construct validity. Conclusions: The internal consistency reliability and, to some extent, validity of the CRFS is supported by these findings. The measure has potential use in facilitating socially appropriate and successful transcultural placements. Currently, there is a shortage of foster parents of minority cultures and an overrepresentation of children of minority cultures in the foster care system. This disparity has resulted in transcultural placements. Children who are raised by transcultural foster parents are potentially at risk for various developmental and psychosocial problems due to their cultural needs not being met

Dimensions of high quality foster care: Parenting Plus

“…Although almost one-half of children in out-of-home foster care in the U.S. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010) and almost four-fifths in Norway reside with non-relative foster parents (Bunkholdt, 2010), remarkably little is known about foster parents in general, either in terms of the most effective recruitment strategies (Berrick, Shauffer, & Rodriguez, 2011;Pasztor & Wynne, 1995;Triseliotis et al, 1995), or the characteristics sought among effective caregivers (Buehler, Cox, & Cuddeback, 2003;Coakley & Orme, 2006;Orme et al, 2005). While child welfare agencies can learn what to avoid by studying the worst foster care tragedies, much more can be gained by examining exceptional care.…”

Benefits of transcultural fostering

“…The development of skill and confidence to interact positively with another culture was described as ‘a gift’ because it opens doors and helps parents feel connected to more of the world (de Haymes & Simon 2003). Such a view reflects a shared humanity and potential kinship that can be developed through cross‐cultural interaction (Fenster 2004; Coakley & Orme, 2006).…”

“…Despite efforts made in cultural matching, there has been an increase in cross‐cultural foster and adoptive placements (Baden & Steward 2000; Vonk 2001). Approximately 45% of foster parents report caring for children from a different cultural background than their own (Coakley & Orme 2006), and 17% of adoptions are transcultural (Bennett 2003).…”

Confidence to Foster Across Cultures: Caregiver Perspectives

“…Understanding the role of values, beliefs and traditions in foster care is crucial as a substantial proportion of foster parents and children in care come from culturally diverse backgrounds (Coakley and Orme 2006;McPhatter 1997). Placement outcome is associated with foster parents acceptance and accommodation of diversity, which includes awareness of how their own values, beliefs and traditions affect the dynamics of foster family experiences (Schatz and Horejsi 1996).…”

“…Those who intended to continue fostering were more likely to have received cultural competence training than those who reported dissatisfaction with fostering and intention to quit (Buehler et al 2006). Such training also had an effect on parents' perceptions of the significance of cultural development (Vonk and Angaran 2001) as well as their willingness and commitment to seek additional training, support and services to increase confidence in transcultural parenting (Coakley and Orme 2006). Cultural competence is based on self-awareness.…”