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Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences

Author

Listed:
  • Elisete Diogo

    (Social Work Department, Catholic University of Portugal, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Francisco Branco

    (Social Work Department, Catholic University of Portugal, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

Foster care is an almost absent component in the child care system and scientific research conducted in Portugal foster comprises 3.2% 1 of out-of-home care in Portugal. This research aims to contribute to a deeper visibility of the care phenomena, giving specific attention to the foster families themselves. This research adopted a qualitative analytical approach, inspired by Grounded Theory. Foster families’ motivation is rooted in altruism, affection for children, and sensitivity to maltreatment. Personal and professional biography or past contact with out-of-home care can also induce predisposition to become a carer. The experience of being a carer 2 is one of traversing through a life of many challenges and rewards. Considering the recognition from the stakeholders, it is a rewarding task. The quality of the service provided and the performance of the care professionals are both key elements to foster care.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisete Diogo & Francisco Branco, 2017. "Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences," Societies, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-14, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:7:y:2017:i:4:p:37-:d:123705
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Magalhães, Eunice & Costa, Patrício & Pinto, Vânia S. & Graça, João & Baptista, Joana & Ferreira, Sofia & Castro, Emma & Anjos, Catarina & Gouveia, Lucilina, 2022. "Reasons, willingness, and intention to be a foster family: A community-sample study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    2. Raudkivi, Madli, 2020. "What factors predispose the intention to become a foster family in Estonia: Applying the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    3. Anjos, Catarina & Magalhães, Eunice & Graça, João & Pinto, Vânia S. & Baptista, Joana & Pinheiro, Micaela, 2023. "Perceived barriers, drivers and enablers to becoming a foster family: An exploratory study in Portugal," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).

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