Gaining Satisfaction? An Exploration of Foster-Carers' Attitudes to Payment

Kirton, Derek; Beecham, Jennifer; Ogilvie, Kate

doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcl061

Cited by 11 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…This was the only significant covariate, and the authors recommend that future research examine the effectiveness of training in improving the foster caring experience. Further research also seems warranted given that although the studies above indicate that training is important in increasing foster carer satisfaction, other studies (e.g., Rodger et al, 2006) These were the adequacy of staff and support from the agency (Butcher, 2005;Davidson-Arad & Benbenishty, 2010;MacGregor et al, 2006;Maclay, Bunce, & Purves, 2006;Sellick, 2006;Triseliotis et al, 2000), financial remuneration (Kirton, 2001;Kirton, Beecham, & Ogilvie, 2007), and training (Butcher, 2005…”

Section: Foster Carer Satisfactionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…The agency‐related variables included in this investigation of carer satisfaction are those identified in prior literature as critical to the provision of high‐quality foster care and positive outcomes for children and identified as important in foster carer retention. These were the adequacy of staff and support from the agency (Butcher, ; Davidson‐Arad & Benbenishty, ; MacGregor et al, ; Maclay, Bunce, & Purves, ; Sellick, ; Triseliotis et al, ), financial remuneration (Kirton, ; Kirton, Beecham, & Ogilvie, ), and training (Butcher, ; Geiger, Hayes, & Lietz, ; Herbert & Wookey, ; MacGregor et al, ; Whenan et al, ).…”

Section: Foster Carer Satisfactionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

Randle

Miller

Dolničar

2017

Child & Family Social Work

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Stable, long‐term foster care homes are critical to ensuring a safe and nurturing childhood for many children worldwide. Greater foster carer satisfaction is associated with increased carer retention and is therefore critical in securing such stable homes for children. The purpose of this study is to determine which factors associated with foster care agencies contribute to higher levels of foster carer satisfaction. Results from a longitudinal study of 137 foster carers indicate that perceived adequacy of agency support, preplacement training, money to cover placement expenses, and a good match between the carer and the child are predictive of higher foster carer satisfaction. A mediation model further points to the provision of preplacement training as key to ensuring higher levels of satisfaction. Results offer new insights into factors related to foster carer retention and provide guidance to foster care agencies about actions that they can take to maximize the retention of foster carers.

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Section: Foster Carer Satisfactionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Foster Carer Satisfactionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

Randle

Miller

Dolničar

2017

Child & Family Social Work

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“…One factor found to be a key determinant of foster carer retention is their overall level of satisfaction with fostering (Denby et al, 1999). Some studies focus on one specific aspect of the foster caring experience and assess the level of satisfaction with that aspect, for example Kirton et al (2007) who focused on the payment received by foster carers. Others have taken a broader view of possible contributors to overall satisfaction.…”

Section: Foster Carer Satisfactionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies focus on one specific aspect of the foster caring experience and assess the level of satisfaction with that aspect, for example Kirton et al . () who focused on the payment received by foster carers. Others have taken a broader view of possible contributors to overall satisfaction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What makes foster carers think about quitting? Recommendations for improved retention of foster carers

Randle

Ernst

Leisch

et al. 2016

Child & Family Social Work

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Ideation, or the formulation of ideas pertaining to a particular topic, is the precursor to individuals making significant life decisions. Many individuals think about foster caring long before they actually become carers, and it stands to reason that in many cases, carer discontinuation also follows a period of ideation. This being the case, it is possible that by monitoring ideation, interventions could be introduced to prevent placement disruptions occurring, particularly if the sources of dissatisfaction are known. Using a sample of 205 foster carers, a posteriori segmentation analysis identifies groups of carers dissatisfied with the same aspects of their role. One group is particularly dissatisfied with factors that are within the control of foster care agencies and also reports high levels of discontinuation ideation. Recommendations include that the individual support needs of carers be identified such that customized support can be offered, including boosting initial and ongoing training to manage expectations and ensure carers feel prepared for the role. Results also highlight the important role of caseworkers in making carers feel appreciated and taken seriously.

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“…Surprisingly perhaps, there was a modest negative association among LA carers between receiving a fee and feeling valued (p = .04). Similarly, and again only within LAs, those demonstrating strong 'professional' orientations towards foster care (as judged by responses to statements -see Kirton, Beecham and Ogilvie, 2006 for details) were also more likely to say they did not feel valued or listened to. It may be that in LAs, but not seemingly in IFPs, there are greater tensions between more professionally oriented carers and their agencies.…”

Section: Feeling Valued and Listened To: A Statistical Overviewmentioning

confidence: 90%

Still the Poor Relations?: Perspectives on Valuing and Listening to Foster Carers

Kirton

Beecham²,

Ogilvie

2007

Adoption & Fostering

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There has long been debate regarding the treatment and status of foster carers, but this has gained added significance in the context of moves towards professionalisation and recognition of carers as part of the children's workforce. While research studies have often touched upon the extent to which foster carers feel valued, appreciated or members of a team, less attention has been given to the perspectives of social workers and managers. Drawing on quantitative survey data and qualitative material from focus groups and interviews, Derek Kirton, Jennifer Beecham and Kate Ogilvie explore from the different perspectives of supervising social workers, service managers and foster carers, the extent to which the latter are valued, listened to or regarded as 'colleagues' by social work professionals and agencies. Key findings include that carers' sense of being valued may be linked to factors such as age, experience, health and number of placements provided. Discussion of the status of foster carers revealed not only wide variation in practice but also a complex set of sentiments and significant divisions among social work professionals on the question of whether carers should be regarded as 'colleagues'.

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Gaining Satisfaction? An Exploration of Foster-Carers' Attitudes to Payment

Cited by 11 publications

References 12 publications

What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

What makes foster carers think about quitting? Recommendations for improved retention of foster carers

Still the Poor Relations?: Perspectives on Valuing and Listening to Foster Carers

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