For this qualitative study, 18 foster care alumni, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years, described good foster parents as helping them functionally adapt to foster care. Good foster parents never referred to them as a "foster" child, balanced consistency with individualized application of rules, used terms such as "our family" or "our home," and included them in extended family gatherings and events. They were emotionally available without being intrusive, especially about stressful events in their lives. They facilitated ongoing contact with people from the child's past without being judgmental. Good foster parents also used their own resources, tried to accommodate personal tastes, and supported extracurricular activities.KEYWORDS aging out of foster care, foster care, family engagement, policy issuesThe number of children in foster care has been declining for much of the past decade-with approximately 397,000 children in care in 2012 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). Data from state child welfare systems in 2012 indicate that most children exit foster care to permanent placement through reunification with birth families or by being
Individual interviews and focus groups with 35 experienced foster parents explored strategies that facilitate the functional adaptation of children transitioning into their care. Findings from this qualitative study suggest functional adaptation is enhanced by unconditional commitment by foster parents, "claiming" behaviors of foster children and parents, establishment of routines, support of birth family relationships, and advocacy for the youth across systems. Implications of this study support the vital role that foster parents have in helping children adapt to placement, and indicate that agencies can provide increased support for foster parents to better meet the needs of foster youth.
ARTICLE HISTORY
“Veteran parents” (VPs), or parents who have experienced challenges concerning their children's health and then mentor other families through similar situations, are widely used for parent support. This model has been adopted by Child Protective Services (CPS) to increase parent engagement. Here, we expand the theoretical discussion of VPs in CPS to address the unique challenges and implementation issues associated with maltreating families. We contend that this model, as originally evaluated in pediatrics, is compromised within CPS. VP programs in CPS will require the same rigorous investigation as other new programs.
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