Experiences of Formal Foster Parents in Ghana: Motivations and Challenges

Frimpong‐Manso, Kwabena; Tagoe, Ishmael; Mawutor, Stella

doi:10.25159/2415-5829/6529

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

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“…Research suggests that children are at an increased risk of negative outcomes like child neglect due to the COVID-19 and its associated public health measures (Bérubé et al, 2020; Caldwell et al, 2020). This is more so for children in the care of foster parents who are already burdened with limited financial resources, inadequate support from social services, stigma and emotional challenges (Cooley et al, 2017; Frimpong-Manso et al, 2020). It is safe to assert that the pandemic introduces new and profound challenges or concerns for foster parents.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For most foster parents in Ghana who already experienced financial and caregiving challenges prior to the pandemic (Frimpong-Manso et al, 2020), it is important that attention is paid to finding ways to improve the well-being of children in their care. In some countries, foster parents are provided with financial supports by the state which is likely to ensure a degree of consistency, in terms of adequate care, and improve outcomes for children (Barth et al, 2010; Geiger et al, 2013).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similar to most developing countries, non-relative foster care is not the first alternative care option in Ghana (Better Care Network & UNICEF, 2015). Unlike informal foster care by extended families (Abdullah, Cudjoe, & Manful, 2020; Abdullah, Frederico, et al, 2020), non-relative foster care is not popular (Frimpong-Manso et al, 2020). The principal care mechanism for vulnerable children is residential care (Abdullah et al, 2018; Manful et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Evidence suggest that most foster parents undertook the role because of love for children, religious and social obligations, and the hope that they can eventually adopt the child (Frimpong-Manso et al, 2020). A recent study found that foster children felt that they had their material needs met and were safe in their placement, but they also reported experiences of corporal punishment (Addy, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent study found that foster children felt that they had their material needs met and were safe in their placement, but they also reported experiences of corporal punishment (Addy, 2020). However, foster parents report several challenges, consisting of stigma, the lack of support that culminates in financial challenges, and emotional issues when the kids leave, especially as most of them feel a sense of entitlement toward the children (Frimpong-Manso et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Keeping families afloat: Foster carer’s parenting experiences during COVID-19 in Ghana and implications for practice

Frimpong‐Manso

Cudjoe

Abdullah

et al. 2021

Developmental Child Welfare

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Formal foster care is a relatively new phenomenon in Ghana. The practice is in conformity with international and national policy guidelines to deinstitutionalize and strengthen family-based care for children without adequate parental care. In addition to the known challenges of foster parenting in Ghana (stigma, financial challenges and emotional strain, inexperience of the foster parents), the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 restrictions may worsen caregivers’ burden and negatively affect children in care. This study explored how foster parents are meeting their caregiving demands during the COVID-19 pandemic in the face of existing and new challenges. Following a participatory practice research approach, a co-constructed interview guide by the researchers and a practitioner was used to conduct in-depth telephone interviews with 13 foster parents. Findings from thematic analysis of the interviews showed challenges, including increased cost of caregiving and multiple caregiving duties as challenges facing foster parents whereas children’s knowledge about the virus, informal support and religious beliefs collectively enhanced caregiving during the pandemic. The findings provide learning about ways to alleviate parenting challenges for foster parents during and after the pandemic. Specifically, interventions that view children as actors for change and strengthen community and religious bodies to deliver psychosocial services would be useful to improve foster parenting.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Keeping families afloat: Foster carer’s parenting experiences during COVID-19 in Ghana and implications for practice

Frimpong‐Manso

Cudjoe

Abdullah

et al. 2021

Developmental Child Welfare

Self Cite

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The implementation of the foster child grant: a case study of the experiences of caregivers and implementers in the Umgungundlovu District

Ngubane

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The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of foster parents. It also examined the experiences of foster care programme implementers. There has been an increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) who require care and protection, and while there is a wealth of literature and legislative frameworks that address their needs and care, little is known about the lived experiences of their primary caregivers. The study aimed to address this gap. Many studies on the implementation of foster care services have been conducted but the focus of these studies has been on interviewing social workers (as key participants). This study differs in that all key stakeholders were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the study phenomenon. Based on a case study approach, the findings show that foster parents, as the primary caregivers of OVC, face a variety of challenges including dealing with foster children who display behavioural issues, family and community interference with their foster care roles and responsibilities, and a lack of support from welfare agencies. The study's findings also show that a key barrier to efficient and effective foster care implementation is a lack of administrative capacity while other barriers include political interference and a lack of senior management support.The significance of this study rests in its contribution to the body of knowledge on foster care services through the recommendations that follow: The study recommends, based on its findings, that a comprehensive needs assessment be carried out in foster families before a child is placed with them and that programmes and policies that are informed by the real-life circumstances of these families be explored. The needs assessment approach must include foster parents' needs, and it must be ensured that foster parents, who play a critical part in raising foster children, are psychologically, spiritually, financially, and physically prepared to take on the duty.For effective implementation of the foster care programme, it is recommended that comprehensive research and expert consultation be conducted before policy development and that personnel training, the availability of necessary resources, and monitoring of policy implementation are essential in terms of the policy's success. It is also recommended that a collaborative approach between bureaucrats and key policy programme implementing partners be established. This includes developing a clear legislative framework or policy document that includes all relevant stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities, and a clear application procedure. The implementing agencies must be provided with new and enhanced existing technologies to simplify the application, verification, and selection criteria processes for all v involved in the foster programme implementation including, importantly, the recipients of the programme.vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the foster parents from the four municipalities w...

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Foster Parents’ Withdrawal of Childcare for Unaccompanied and Separated Children from Meheba Refugee Settlement in Kalumbila District, Zambia

Mugara,

Kukano,

Chungu

2023

ejtas

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Zambia has been hosting refugees of different nationalities in the various refugee settlements across the country namely Meheba refugee settlement, Mantapala refugee settlement and Mayukwayukwa settlement. With the influx of asylum seekers entering the country, there arises an occurrence of children arriving in the country without biological parents nor legally recognized guardians. This category of children is referred to as unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). The Zambian governments laws, regional guidelines and international laws maintain that each abandoned, unaccompanied and separated children, their safety and wellbeing should be guaranteed. Protection of these children in Meheba settlement has been through an approach known as foster care. However, there reported incidences of foster parents handing back unaccompanied and separated children to MCDSS living children without parental support or protection contrary to the Child Code Bill of 2022 for Zambia, UN general assembly, Refugee Act of 2017, National Framework for the Care of Children in Need of Care, 2019. Therefore, the intent of the study was to understand the causes of foster parents withdrawing the required parental care for UASC and explore approaches to improve childcare provided by foster parents to them in Meheba settlement. The study established that there were various gaps in the childcare procedures which include, noncompliance, inadequate monitoring, inadequate data management, flaws in case management, support for caregivers, training for caregivers. Recommendations include strengthening the referral and monitoring mechanisms in case management, childcare agencies to upsurge support for community structures and foster parents, improvement of training and sensitization to foster parents, prospective parents and community workers, orientation on UASC on her rights and responsibilities and the department of social welfare to develop a framework to make foster parents accountable.

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Experiences of Formal Foster Parents in Ghana: Motivations and Challenges

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Keeping families afloat: Foster carer’s parenting experiences during COVID-19 in Ghana and implications for practice

Keeping families afloat: Foster carer’s parenting experiences during COVID-19 in Ghana and implications for practice

The implementation of the foster child grant: a case study of the experiences of caregivers and implementers in the Umgungundlovu District

Foster Parents’ Withdrawal of Childcare for Unaccompanied and Separated Children from Meheba Refugee Settlement in Kalumbila District, Zambia

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