A survival analysis of the length of foster parenting duration and implications for recruitment and retention of foster parents

Fostering confidence: Foster caregivers' relationship efficacy and associations with marital and co‐parenting relationship quality

“…Additionally, and contrary to our hypothesis, we found that the presence of foster children reduced relationship efficacy in our sample. Foster caregivers are likely to experience greater parenting stress (Ahn et al, ), resulting in greater marital and co‐parenting conflict, which may impact how efficacious a foster caregiver feels in maintaining a healthy relationship with their partner.…”

“…Although the association between relationship efficacy and foster parenting experiences has not been studied to date, studies suggest that foster caregiver turnover rates are high, with many closing their home within the first year (Chipungu & Bent‐Goodley, ). Further, married foster caregivers are more likely to close their home sooner than their unmarried counterparts, and those who have had more children placed in their home are also more likely to close their home more quickly (Ahn et al, ). This suggests that those who may be struggling in their relationship or are unable to handle the challenges associated with fostering would be more likely to close their home sooner and would be less likely to accept additional children than those who are confident in their ability to maintain a healthy relationship throughout these stressors.…”

“…In two‐parent families, these challenges may also negatively influence couples' confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy romantic relationship (i.e., relationship efficacy), which can impede their capacity to provide high‐quality foster homes that meet the needs of youth in their care. In fact, Ahn, Greeno, Bright, Hartzel, and Reiman () found that married foster caregivers are more likely to discontinue fostering after a shorter amount of time, which may be due to the impact of fostering on their marital relationship. Although most states require that potential foster caregivers complete a mandated training before a child is placed in their home, these trainings are intended to provide foster caregivers with the knowledge and skills to foster successfully, building their foster parenting efficacy.…”

Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Foster Parent Retention

“…A growing body of scholarly and gray literature has identified several barriers to foster parent retention. These include the financial burden imposed by fostering, as current monetary compensation has been described as insufficient to meet the needs of a child (Ahn et al, 2017(Ahn et al, , 2018Geiger et al, 2013). Lacking access to child care services such as day care or transportation poses a related and additional barrier to retention (GAO 2018;Rhodes et al, 2001).…”

Effectiveness of Intensive Alternative Family Treatment on Reducing Re-Admissions to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities

“…Because of a persistent community services shortage (e.g., Ahn et al, 2017; Fontanella et al, 2008), many children requiring mental health services are placed in residential facilities to facilitate their care. Higher and more secure levels of institutional care include residential congregate care facilities and institutional care, including hospitalization.…”