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Risk, resilience, and complexity: Experiences of foster parents

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  • Cooley, Morgan E.
  • Thompson, Heather M.
  • Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson

Abstract

Foster parents are the individuals who provide caregiving services to children in substitute care. Foster parents are faced with multiple demands when it comes to providing care for foster children, for which they may not expect or be prepared. The purpose of this study was to examine current and former foster parents' experiences within the child welfare system to better understand what their unique experiences have been and their perception of the need for changes to the system, specifically highlighting areas of resilience. This study included 39 current and former foster parents from across the United States. Three overarching themes were identified: concerns about the complexity of the child welfare system, personal narratives that highlight the complexity in the system, and means of navigating complex experiences within the child welfare system. Findings were described and discussed within the context of a resilience model. These findings have implications for foster parent training, support, and intervention with foster parents currently involved in the child welfare system.

Suggested Citation

  • Cooley, Morgan E. & Thompson, Heather M. & Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson, 2017. "Risk, resilience, and complexity: Experiences of foster parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 35-41.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:76:y:2017:i:c:p:35-41
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.02.030
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vanschoonlandt, Femke & Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Van Holen, Frank & De Maeyer, Skrällan & Robberechts, Marijke, 2013. "Parenting stress and parenting behavior among foster mothers of foster children with externalizing problems," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(10), pages 1742-1750.
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    4. Rhodes, Kathryn W. & Orme, John G. & McSurdy, Michael, 2003. "Foster Parent's Role Performance Responsibilities: Perceptions of Foster Mothers, Fathers, and Workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(12), pages 935-964, December.
    5. Cooley, Morgan E. & Petren, Raymond E., 2011. "Foster parent perceptions of competency: Implications for foster parent training," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1968-1974, October.
    6. Dorsey, Shannon & Farmer, Elizabeth M.Z. & Barth, Richard P. & Greene, Kaylin M. & Reid, John & Landsverk, John, 2008. "Current status and evidence base of training for foster and treatment foster parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(12), pages 1403-1416, December.
    7. Daniel, Ellice, 2011. "Gentle iron will: Foster parents' perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 910-917, June.
    8. Spielfogel, Jill E. & Leathers, Sonya J. & Christian, Errick & McMeel, Lorri S., 2011. "Parent management training, relationships with agency staff, and child mental health: Urban foster parents' perspectives," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(11), pages 2366-2374.
    9. Blome, Wendy Whiting & Steib, Sue D., 2014. "The organizational structure of child welfare: Staff are working hard, but it is hardly working," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 181-188.
    10. Cole, Susan A. & Eamon, Mary Keegan, 2007. "Self-perceptions of fulfilling the foster caregiver role: A preliminary analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 655-671, May.
    11. Storer, Heather L. & Barkan, Susan E. & Stenhouse, Linnea L. & Eichenlaub, Caroline & Mallillin, Anastasia & Haggerty, Kevin P., 2014. "In search of connection: The foster youth and caregiver relationship," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 110-117.
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    Cited by:

    1. Harding, Leith & Murray, Kate & Shakespeare-Finch, Jane & Frey, Ron, 2018. "High stress experienced in the foster and kin carer role: Understanding the complexities of the carer and child in context," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 316-326.
    2. Cooley, Morgan E. & Petren, Raymond E., 2020. "A qualitative examination of coparenting among foster parent dyads," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    3. Cooley, Morgan E. & Womack, Bethany & Rush, Jacqueline & Slinskey, Kristie, 2020. "Adverse childhood experiences among foster parents: Prevalence and association with resilience, coping, satisfaction as a foster parent, and intent to continue fostering," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    4. Miller, Arianne E. & Green, Tonika Duren & Lambros, Katina M., 2019. "Foster parent self-care: A conceptual model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 107-114.
    5. Elisa Mancinelli & Gaia Dell’Arciprete & Silvia Salcuni, 2021. "A Systematic Review on Foster Parents’ Psychological Adjustment and Parenting Style—An Evaluation of Foster Parents and Foster Children Variables," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-25, October.
    6. Nesmith, Ande, 2020. "False allegations and caseworker conflict: Stressors among long-term foster parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    7. Shdaimah, Corey S. & Alexander, Ivana T., 2018. "Foster parents’ experience of dependency court: Laying the groundwork for engagement," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 265-273.
    8. Mallette, Jacquelyn K. & Almond, Lindsey & Leonard, Hannah, 2020. "Fostering healthy families: An exploration of the informal and formal support needs of foster caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    9. Pope, Natalie D. & Jay Miller, J. & Benner, Kalea, 2020. "Cultivating resilience in new foster parents through mentoring: A dyadic analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    10. Harding, Leith & Murray, Kate & Shakespeare-Finch, Jane & Frey, Ron, 2020. "The wellbeing of foster and kin carers: A comparative study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).

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