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Reasons, willingness, and intention to be a foster family: A community-sample study

Author

Listed:
  • Magalhães, Eunice
  • Costa, Patrício
  • Pinto, Vânia S.
  • Graça, João
  • Baptista, Joana
  • Ferreira, Sofia
  • Castro, Emma
  • Anjos, Catarina
  • Gouveia, Lucilina

Abstract

Research into the reasons that could lead community samples to become foster families is sparse, as most studies focus on the reasons identified by licensed or prospective foster families. The present study aims: (1) to assess the validity and reliability of the Reasons for Fostering Inventory adapted for a community sample (Portuguese version); and (2) to test the role of family factors and the different reasons for fostering as potential predictors of willingness and behavioral intention to foster. The reliability and validity of the inventory were assessed using a convenience sample of Portuguese adults (n = 441), 84 % female, aged 26–74. A three-factorial structure (self-oriented reasons, child-centered reasons, and family-related reasons) composed of 22 items was identified. The factorial structure was tested with a holdout randomization method for cross-validation. All factors were reliable, with internal consistency levels ranging from 0.85 and 0.88. Being female, younger, and scoring lower on family-related reasons and greater on child-centered reasons showed positive associations with both willingness and intention to foster. Lower scores on self-oriented reasons were associated with higher willingness to foster; while having parental experience, lower education, and greater income were associated with a higher intention to foster. This study contributes with additional psychometric evidence for this scale for use with community samples. It also provides new insight into how individual resources may be linked with willingness and intention to foster in a community sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Magalhães, Eunice & Costa, Patrício & Pinto, Vânia S. & Graça, João & Baptista, Joana & Ferreira, Sofia & Castro, Emma & Anjos, Catarina & Gouveia, Lucilina, 2022. "Reasons, willingness, and intention to be a foster family: A community-sample study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:142:y:2022:i:c:s0190740922002845
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elisete Diogo & Francisco Branco, 2017. "Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences," Societies, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-14, December.
    2. De Maeyer, Skrallan & Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Vanschoonlandt, Femke & Robberechts, Marijke & Van Holen, Frank, 2014. "Motivation for foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 143-149.
    3. Raudkivi, Madli, 2020. "What factors predispose the intention to become a foster family in Estonia: Applying the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    4. Orme, John G. & Cherry, Donna J. & Brown, Jason D., 2017. "Against all odds: Vital Few foster families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 584-593.
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