From Foster Care to Fostering Care: The Need for Community

Abstract

Using an interpretive ethnographic framework, we investigate how being in a caring community benefits foster children and their families during a time of crisis. Through (re)telling the stories of the untimely death of Carl Connor, a parent of four foster children, we examine the community of Hope Meadows as the site where the activities of caring occurred. Care as a set of relational and moral practices is presented, and we describe how care is facilitated by the purpose as well as the physical and social dimensions of Hope Meadows. The stories of Carl Connor's death provide a foundation for a gendered theory of moral community.

Hurdling the Artificial Fence Between Child Welfare and the Community: Engaging Community Partners to Address Disproportionality

“…The most recent reform efforts have child welfare agencies attempting to open their doors to the community for assistance in meeting the needs of children and families. Allowing the community into discussions and decisions regarding child welfare practices has been heralded throughout the child welfare literature (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2006; Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, 2005;Omang & Bonk, 1999;Onyskiw, Harrison, Spady, & McConnan, 1999;Power & Eheart, 2000). Examples of successful collaborations are reported and applauded.…”