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Stay just a little bit longer: A scoping review of foster parent engagement in the U.S

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  • Williams, Kimberly A.
  • Lewis, Ericka M.
  • Feely, Megan

Abstract

Despite the growing need for quality foster homes, retaining foster parents continues to be a challenge. A significant burden is placed on child welfare agencies to recruit, train, and retain quality foster parents to ensure available homes for children in need. To synthesize what is known about foster parent engagement, this article describes the modifiable factors impacting foster parent satisfaction, commitment, and retention. This scoping review engaged in a comprehensive exploration of the literature by mapping out the extent, range, and nature of foster parent engagement, screening studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and summarizing findings. Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged as factors impacting foster parent engagement: (1) training, (2) resources, and (3) relationships. Eight studies evaluated unspecified training and three studies examined evidenced-informed training interventions. Resources were explored in ten studies and included concrete resources such as respite, financial assistance, and transportation. Relationships, categorized as professional social support (n = 15) and personal social support (n = 16), were also studied. A notable finding of this scoping review is the importance of relationship building across foster care stakeholders. Specifically, strengthened relationships between foster parents and caseworkers improved outcomes across all components of foster care engagement (satisfaction, commitment, and retention). Further studies are needed to understand the ways in which specialized training and social support improve foster parent engagement over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Williams, Kimberly A. & Lewis, Ericka M. & Feely, Megan, 2023. "Stay just a little bit longer: A scoping review of foster parent engagement in the U.S," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:146:y:2023:i:c:s0190740923000099
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106814
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gibbs, Deborah & Wildfire, Judith, 2007. "Length of service for foster parents: Using administrative data to understand retention," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 588-599, May.
    2. Orme, John G. & Cherry, Donna J. & Rhodes, Kathryn W., 2006. "The Help with Fostering Inventory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(11), pages 1293-1311, November.
    3. Ahn, Haksoon & Greeno, Elizabeth J. & Bright, Charlotte Lyn & Hartzel, Samantha & Reiman, Sarah, 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, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 478-484.
    4. Sally Preston & Kevin Yates & Mark Moss, 2012. "Does Emotional Resilience Enhance Foster Placement Stability? A Qualitative Investigation," International Journal of Psychological Studies, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(3), pages 153-153, September.
    5. Mallette, Jacquelyn K. & Almond, Lindsey & Leonard, Hannah, 2020. "Fostering healthy families: An exploration of the informal and formal support needs of foster caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    6. Mihalo, Jennifer R. & Strickler, Amy & Triplett, Dawn R. & Trunzo, Annette C., 2016. "Treatment foster parent satisfaction: Survey validation and predictors of satisfaction, retention, and intent to refer," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 105-110.
    7. Strickler, Amy & Mihalo, Jennifer R. & Celedonia, Karen L., 2018. "Reducing barriers to using data: A learning collaborative approach to leverage collective knowledge about treatment parent satisfaction and retention," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 300-307.
    8. Bartlett, Jessica Dym & Rushovich, Berenice, 2018. "Implementation of Trauma Systems Therapy-Foster Care in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 30-38.
    9. Whenan, Rachel & Oxlad, Melissa & Lushington, Kurt, 2009. "Factors associated with foster carer well-being, satisfaction and intention to continue providing out-of-home care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(7), pages 752-760, July.
    10. Denlinger, Melissa & Dorius, Cassandra, 2018. "Communication patterns between foster parents and case managers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 329-339.
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