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Qualitative Social Work
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The Needs of Foster Parents

A Qualitative Study of Motivation, Support, and Retention

Tracy E. MacGregor

Susan Rodger

Anne L. Cummings

Alan W. Leschied

University of Western Ontario, Canada

This qualitative study examined motivation, support, and retention of foster parents in a child welfare agency in nine Canadian counties. Data from nine foster parent focus groups (54 participants) were categorized into themes for four structured questions. Results showed that the most frequent motivations for being foster parents were intrinsic, altruistic motivators of wanting to make a difference in children's lives and a desire to have children in the home. The most important supports and deficits in support from their agencies were emotional support, trust and good communication with workers, respect for foster parents' abilities and opinions, and being considered part of the child-care team. Strategies to increase retention of foster parents included improving supports for fostering, providing accurate information about the foster child, and introducing foster parents to the role gradually.

Key Words: foster children • foster parents • motivations to foster • retention

Qualitative Social Work, Vol. 5, No. 3, 351-368 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1473325006067365
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