Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

“Foster Care is a Roller Coaster”: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Foster Parent Experiences with Caregiving

  • Published:
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Foster parents serve a critical role in the child welfare system; however, many report being dissatisfied with their role. As such, dissatisfied foster parents are at risk of disruption and turnover, ultimately resulting in placement moves for youth in care. Placement moves have negative impacts on youth well-being, prompting a need to explore issues related to placement longevity related to foster parent satisfaction. This mixed-methods study included foster parents in six mid-Southwestern states who participated in an online survey between June 2021 and January 2022. First, this study explored foster parent satisfaction with intent to turnover and disrupt placement in 362 foster parents through regression analyses. Next, open-ended responses for 130 foster parents were thematically analyzed to explore their nuanced caregiving experiences. Findings from the regression analyses suggest there are statistically significant differences in types of satisfaction experiences related to intent to turnover and disrupt placement. The qualitative inquiry resulted in finding three salient themes: Foster parents (1) possess a strong commitment to the children and youth they care for, (2) experience affirming rewards and complex struggles while caring for children and youth, and (3) are impacted by layers of failures within and seek transformation of the child welfare system. These findings provide insight into the needs and experiences of foster parents related to enhancing longevity of care. Moreover, findings suggest needed changes in child welfare practice and policy to support foster-parent retention and caregiving.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahn, H., Greeno, E. J., Bright, C. L., Hartzel, S., & Reiman, S. (2017). A survival analysis of the length of foster parenting duration and implications for recruitment and retention of foster parents. Children and Youth Services Review, 79, 478–484.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, G. (2009). Foster children: A longitudinal study of placements and family relationships. International Journal of Social Welfare, 18, 13–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Auerbach, C., Schudrich, W. Z., Lawrence, C. K., Claiborne, N., & McGowan, B. G. (2014). Predicting turnover: Validating the intent to leave child welfare scale. Research on Social Work Practice, 24(3), 349–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bannink, R., Broeren, S., van de Looij, J. P. M., & Raat, H. (2013). Associations between parent adolescent attachment relationship quality, negative life events and mental health. Plos One, 8, 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barber, J. G., Delfabbro, P. H., & Cooper, L. L. (2001). The predictors of unsuccessful transition to foster care. Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry & Allied Disciplines, 42, 785–790.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, E. R., Jankowski, M. K., Butcher, R. L., Meister, C., Parton, R. R., & Drake, R. E. (2018). Foster and adoptive parent perspectives on needs and services: A mixed methods study. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 45, 74–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumann, D. J., Fluke, J. D., Dalgleish, L., & Kern, H. (2014). The decision-making ecology. From evidence to outcomes in child welfare: An international reader, 24–40.

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. D. (2008). Foster parent’s perceptions of factors needed for successful foster placements. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 17, 538–554.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chamberlain, P., Moreland, S., & Reid, K. (1992). Enhanced services and stipends for foster parents: Effects on retention rates and outcomes for children. Child Welfare, 71, 387–401.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, S. L., Palmer, A. N., Akin, B. A., Dunkerley, S., & Brook, J. (2020). Investigating the relationship between trauma symptoms and placement instability. Child Abuse & Neglect, 108, 104660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104660.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cloitre, M., Stolbach, B. C., Herman, J. L., van der Kolk, B., Pynoos, R., Wang, J., & Petkova, E. (2009). A developmental approach to complex PTSD: Childhood and adult cumulative trauma as predictors of symptom complexity. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22, 399408. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.20444.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crum, W. (2010). Foster parent parenting characteristics that lead to increased placement stability or disruption. Children and Youth Services Review, 32, 185–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cyr, C., Euser, E. M., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M. J., & Van Ijzendoorn, M. H. (2010). Attachment security and disorganization in maltreating and high-risk families: A series of meta-analyses. Development and Psychopathology, 22, 87–108.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dalgleish, L. I. (1988). Decision making in child abuse cases: Applications of social judgment theory and signal detection theory. In B. Brehmer, & C. R. B. Joyce (Eds.), Human judgment: The SJT view (pp. 317–360). Elsevier Science.

  • Denlinger, M., & Dorius, C. (2018). Communication patterns between foster parents and case managers. Children & Youth Services Review, 89, 329–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeVooght, K., Child Trends, & Blazey, D. (2013). Family foster care reimbursement rates in the U.S.: A report from a 2012 national survey on family foster care provider classification and rates Publication #:2013-19. Child Trends. Retrieved from Child Trends website: http://www.childtrends.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/04/FosterCarePayment-Rate-Report.pdf.

  • Diaz, R. (2017). The experience of foster parents: what keeps foster parents motivated to foster long term? [Doctoral dissertation]. Antioch University Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California.

  • Dowdy-Hazlett, T., & Clark, S. L. (2022). Latent profile analysis of risk and protective factors among foster parents: A cross-sectional study. Manuscript submitted for publication.

  • Farmer, E., Lipscombe, J., & Moyers, S. (2005). Foster carer strain and its impact on parenting and placement outcomes for adolescents. British Journal of Social Work, 35, 237–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fluke, J. D., Corwin, T. W., Hollinshead, D. M., & Maher, E. J. (2016). Family preservation or child safety? Associations between child welfare workers’ experience, position, and perspectives. Children and Youth Services Review, 69, 210–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fluke, J. D., Bauman, D. J., Dalgleish, L. I., & Kern, H. D. (2022). Decisions to protect children: A decision-making ecology. Handbook of child maltreatment (pp. 611–626). Springer International Publishing.

  • Geiger, J. M., Hayes, M. J., & Lietz, C. A. (2013). Should I stay or should I go? A mixed methods study examining the factors influencing foster parents’ decisions to continue or discontinue providing foster care. Children and Youth Services Review, 35, 13561365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs, D. (2005). Understanding foster parenting: Using administrative data to explore retention (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, 2005).

  • Gibbs, D., & Wildfire, J. (2007). Length of service for foster parents: Using administrative data to understand retention. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 588–599.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanlon, R., Simon, J., Day, A., Vanderwill, L., Kim, J., & Dallimore, E. (2021). Systematic review of factors affecting foster parent retention. Families in Society, 102, 285–299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, M. J., Geiger, J. M., & Lietz, C. A. (2015). Navigating a complicated system of care: Foster parent satisfaction with behavioral and medical health services. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 32, 493–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herrenkohl, R. C., & Egolf, B. P. (2003). The psychosocial consequences of living environment instability on maltreated children. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 73(4), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.1037/0002-9432.73.4.367.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J. (2020, November 10). Who cares 2020: Executive summary. The Imprint. https://imprintnews.org/child-welfare-2/who-cares-2020-executive-summary/49243

  • Lanigan, J., & Burleson, E. (2017). Foster parent’s perspectives regarding the transition of a new placement into their home: An exploratory study. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 26, 905–915.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leathers, S. (2002). Parental visiting and family reunification: Could inclusive practice make a difference? Child Welfare League of America, 81, 595–616.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacGregor, T. E., Rodger, S., Cummings, A. L., & Leschied, A. W. (2006). The needs of foster parents: A qualitative study of motivation, support, and retention. Qualitative Social Work, 5, 351–368.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLean, Clarke, J., Scott, D., Hiscock, H., & Goldfeld, S. (2020). Foster and kinship carer experiences of accessing healthcare: A qualitative study of barriers, enablers and potential solutions. Children and Youth Services Review, 113, 104976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104976.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray, L., Tarren-Sweeney, M., & France, K. (2011). Foster carer perceptions of support and training in the context of high burden of care. Child and Family Social Work, 16, 149–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Myers, J. E. (2008). A short history of child protection in America. Family Law Quarterly, 42(3), 449–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Octoman, O., & McLean, S. (2014). Challenging behaviour in foster care: What supports do foster carers want? Adoption and Fostering, 2, 149–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pac, J. (2017). The effect of monthly stipend on the placement instability of youths in out of home care. Children and Youth Services Review, 72, 111–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Randle, M., Miller, L., & Dolnicar, S. (2018). What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction? Child & Family Social Work, 23, 212–221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodger, S., Cummings, A., & Leschied, A. W. (2006). Who is caring for our most vulnerable children?: The motivation to foster in child welfare. Child Abuse and Neglect, 10, 11291142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, J. P., Hernandez, P. M., & Herz, D. (2007). Developmental trajectories of offending for male adolescents leaving foster care. Social Work Research, 31(2), 83–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sher, L. (2008). The concept of post-traumatic mood disorder and its implications for adolescent suicidal behavior. Minerva Pediatrica, 60(6), 1393–1399.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stein, B. D., Zima, B. T., Elliott, M. N., Burnam, M. A., Shahinfar, A., Fox, N. A., & Leavitt, L. A. (2001). Violence exposure among school-age children in foster care: Relationship to distress symptoms. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(5), 588–594.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stockdale, D. F., Crase, S. J., Lekies, K. S., Yates, A. M., & Gillis-Arnold, R. (1997). Manual for foster parent research measures: Motivations for foster parenting inventory, attitudes toward foster parenting inventory, and satisfaction with foster parenting inventory Unpublished manuscript, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

  • Stott, T. (2012). Placement instability and risky behaviors of youth aging out of foster care. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 29, 61–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, B. J., & McQuillan, K. (2014). Perspectives of foster parents and social workers on foster placement disruption. Child Care in Practice, 20, 232–249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tonheim, M., & Iversen, A. C. (2019). We felt completely left to ourselves.” Foster parents’views on placement disruption. Child & Family Social Work, 24, 90–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021). Adoption and foster care analysis and reporting system (AFCARS) FY 2020 data.

  • Vanderfaeillie, J., Van Holen, F., Maeyer, S., Gypen, L., & Belenger, L. (2016). Support needs and satisfaction in foster care: Differences between foster mothers and foster fathers. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 25, 1515–1524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • West, D., Vanderfaeillie, J., Van Hove, L., Gypen, L., & Van Holen, F. (2020). Attachment in family foster care: Literature review of associated characteristics. Developmental Child Welfare, 2, 132–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wulczyn, F., Kogan, F., & Harden, B. J. (2003). Placement stability and movement trajectories. Social Service Review, 77, 212–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Youth Law Center (2020). Quality parenting initiative. https://www.qpi4kids.org/

  • Zima, B. T., Bussing, R., Freeman, S., Yang, X., Belin, T. R., & Forness, S. R. (2000). Behavior problems, academic skill delays and school failure among school-aged children in foster care: Their relationship to placement characteristics. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 9, 87–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, 619 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA

    Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett & Shelby L. Clark

Authors
  1. Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shelby L. Clark
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Florida State University institutional review board and the study was performed in accordance with ethical standards as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Additionally, this work was supported by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no known conflict of interest to report.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dowdy-Hazlett, T., Clark, S.L. “Foster Care is a Roller Coaster”: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Foster Parent Experiences with Caregiving. Child Adolesc Soc Work J (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-023-00938-9

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-023-00938-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation