Strengths of Aboriginal Foster Parents

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the strengths of Aboriginal foster parents according to the foster parents themselves. A total of 83 Aboriginal foster parents participated in over the phone interviews that included the question ''What are the main strengths you have as a foster parent?''. Responses to the questions were sorted by the participants and the sorted data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Four clusters emerged from the responses to the question: (1) awareness abilities and skills, (2) cultural experience, (3) personal qualities, and (4) child as part of family. The clusters were compared and contrasted with available literature.