Comparing the Experiences and Withdrawal Considerations of Treatment and Regular Foster Care Parents: The Canadian Perspective

Abstract

This study investigated differences in the experiences of Canadian foster parents providing regular and treatment foster care and their consideration to withdraw from their position. Survey responses from 852 foster parents were analyzed subsequent to separating the participants into two groups based on the primary type of care they provided (regular N = 454; treatment N = 398). Results revealed that treatment foster care parents considered withdrawing at a higher rate compared to regular foster care parents. Subsequent analysis revealed numerous differences between the two groups regarding foster parents' experiences in fostering and reasons to withdraw. The results are discussed in the context of increasing concern for a declining number of foster parents with the coincidental increase in the number of children who enter foster care with higher rates of trauma and mental health disorders requiring a treatment response.

A Cluster Analysis of Peer Support Training Needs for Foster Parents

“…Participants described the importance of enhancing skills for self-care. Often foster parents foster to make a difference within their extended families and communities (Gleeson et al, 2009;Smith et al, 2015). Motives for helping other foster parents are to promote others' growth and development (Hart, 2007).…”

“…Foster parents tend to be motivated by a sense of responsibility to take on the challenging role. In addition, they are motivated by the desire to make a difference within their extended families and communities (Gleeson et al, 2009;Smith et al, 2015). However, the needs of children in care are complex, with implications for relationships at home and functioning in school (Kinniburgh et al, 2017).…”