Would I do it again? Examining foster parents’ willingness to take on the same foster care placement again

Abstract

This study aims to identify factors that are important to improve the retention of foster parents, which is crucial to meet the increasing need for good and stable foster homes. Using data from a survey conducted by the Norwegian Foster Homes Association, we assessed which variables could predict the willingness of foster parents to take on the same foster care placement again. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to compare foster parents which were willing to, not willing to and unsure about doing it again. Cooperation with the Child Welfare Services and information received before placement on the health and functioning of the child/youth were central to predict the willingness to take on the same placement again. In addition, foster parents reporting that their financial security had not been preserved as presented before placement were the most negative to the perspective of doing it again. On the other hand, the child/youth characteristics and the experienced economy loss were significant for foster parents that were unsure about doing it again. This highlights the importance of presenting foster parents with a realistic picture of what to expect from the foster care assignment, both in terms of health of the child/youth and economy.