A Study of the Impact of Social Supports on the Retention of Foster Parents: Building Foster Awareness in Communities
Location
SU-214
Start Date
28-4-2023 9:40 AM
Department
Counselor Education
Abstract
The presentation seeks to raise awareness regarding the issue of foster parent retention and to provide tools for community members to support foster families. In reviewing current statistics, the need for foster homes is greater than ever. Yet, every year, foster families choose to withdraw their license. Evidence-based motivations for such withdrawal, especially for foster parents who have only fostered for one year, are described. A glimpse of the stressors and challenges that foster parents face are identified. Additionally, the key players in foster care, those who have been identified as formal supports for the foster parents, are depicted. Specifically, the presentation pinpoints the role of the counselor in aiding foster families, including recommendation of varied contexts of therapeutic care. Potential informal supports for foster parents are described. Some research also identifies the impact that social supports can have on the retention of foster parents. This presentation provides tools for community members to support foster families. An infographic tip sheet of beneficial ways of communicating encouragement to a foster parent is offered. Attendees will gain an understanding of the factors that impact foster parent retention along with practical tools for how they, as community members, can play a role in supporting foster families.
Faculty Sponsor
Michele Kane, Northeastern Illinois University
A Study of the Impact of Social Supports on the Retention of Foster Parents: Building Foster Awareness in Communities
SU-214
The presentation seeks to raise awareness regarding the issue of foster parent retention and to provide tools for community members to support foster families. In reviewing current statistics, the need for foster homes is greater than ever. Yet, every year, foster families choose to withdraw their license. Evidence-based motivations for such withdrawal, especially for foster parents who have only fostered for one year, are described. A glimpse of the stressors and challenges that foster parents face are identified. Additionally, the key players in foster care, those who have been identified as formal supports for the foster parents, are depicted. Specifically, the presentation pinpoints the role of the counselor in aiding foster families, including recommendation of varied contexts of therapeutic care. Potential informal supports for foster parents are described. Some research also identifies the impact that social supports can have on the retention of foster parents. This presentation provides tools for community members to support foster families. An infographic tip sheet of beneficial ways of communicating encouragement to a foster parent is offered. Attendees will gain an understanding of the factors that impact foster parent retention along with practical tools for how they, as community members, can play a role in supporting foster families.