Farming Families as Foster Families: The Findings of an Exploratory Study on Care Farming in Switzerland

Abstract

The terms "care farming" and "social agriculture" are used to describe the foster care that farming families provide to children, adolescents, and adults. Whereas some European countries have national systems that provide support for care farming, little is known about care farmers in Switzerland. Best estimates show that at least one percent of all agricultural family operations provide care services in Switzerland; accordingly, care farming is a component of Swiss foster care. Against the background of the recent revision of the Child and Adult Protection Act [Kindes-und Erwachsenenschutzgesetz] and of legal provisions in relation to foster care, a qualitative system analysis was carried out in three cantons in 2013. The aim of the system analysis was to describe the context and importance of care farming and to identify the attitudes and working methods of both child and adult protection authorities and family placement organizations in relation to placements in agriculture. As part of the study, documents were analyzed and expert interviews were held with representatives of both groups. The interviewed representatives of the placement authorities regard placements in agriculture as a viable option, in particular for adolescents, if the match between the client and foster family is suitable. According to the surveyed family placement organizations, the interest among farming families in offering foster places is considerable. The study presents care farming as one care service within a complex support system for children and adolescents, and raises new questions for investigation by more detailed research projects.

Farming for Life Quality and Sustainability: A Literature Review of Green Care Research Trends in Europe

“…Then, 27% of the studies emphasized the concept, development and relevance of green care and included practical or theoretical publications that addressed the emergence of this novel approach; these studies aimed to identify the concepts and potential benefits, implementation possibilities and legislative frames that supported its implementation. These aspects differed by country, and many of these studies analyzed the evolution of green care in different countries that had their own particularities and trends, as seen by the evolution in the Netherlands [ 36 , 37 ], Flanders [ 36 ], Italy [ 28 ], and Switzerland [ 38 ]. Finally, in 15% of the publications, professionals were the cornerstone of the research, and they defined their preferences, views, need to provide this social service and health care, as well as their networks and organizational strategies and the benefits that they could obtain by including green care (mainly care and social farms) in their enterprises [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Some of the difficulties that a new science, movement and practice such as green care can face include gaining scientific, political and social credibility. Despite the advances in research publications, the potential of green care is still poorly understood [ 19 , 38 ]. As shown, in the last decade, researchers have started to study the effectiveness of green care compared to other therapeutic processes.…”

Acknowledging the Complexity of Processes Leading to Foster Care Breakdown

“…From the perspective of the system, the visibility of negative behaviour generates key moments of evaluation and categorization and also legitimizes its work. The foster care service in Switzerland has developed a comprehensive catalogue of authorized targeted responses to the behavioural problems of children, such as "time-outs" -temporary moves to different settings (Bombach, Stohler, & Wydler, 2015).…”

Social Farming: An Inclusive Environment Conducive to Participant Personal Growth

“…In spite of the increment in the number of research publications about practices related to the provision of health and human services (Elings and Hassink 2008;Dessein et al 2013; MIND (Mental Health Association); Hassink et al 2014;Hemingway et al 2016), this topic is still poorly investigated and understood (Bombach et al 2015;Leck et al 2014). Harnessing the benefits of nature on human health through interventions that include "ecotherapy" (Burls and Caan 2005; MIND (Mental Health Association)) and "therapeutic horticulture" (Sempik 2010) is being increasingly viewed as an effective way to improve mental health levels in many parts of the world.…”