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Why do people become foster parents and how to recruit new families? A multi-informant study

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  • Ferreira, Sofia
  • Magalhães, Eunice
  • Pinto, Vânia S.
  • Graça, João

Abstract

The shortage of foster families in child protection systems worldwide is a critical issue that requires a deeper understanding of culturally situated approaches to recruit new families. This study aimed to explore public awareness of foster care, examine barriers and enablers to becoming a foster family, and draw on behavioural theory to inform the development of outreach and recruitment strategies. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with 29 participants (14 foster parents, 15 staff; Portugal) and subjected to a thematic analysis. The results suggested that there was limited public knowledge about foster care. Becoming a foster parent was linked both with reflective motivational processes (e.g., child-centred motivations) and the availability of multidimensional resources (e.g., social support), but multi-level constraints were identified as barriers to becoming a foster parent (e.g., worries related to the foster child). Integrated outreach strategies (e.g., combining tailored and mass media approaches) with a range of communication channels and vehicles may raise awareness and enable the recruitment of more foster families. Participants indicated that message content should involve system-related information and evidence about the positive impact of fostering, among other aspects. Overall, this multi-informant study provides conceptually grounded and practice-relevant insights to support the recruitment of prospective foster families.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferreira, Sofia & Magalhães, Eunice & Pinto, Vânia S. & Graça, João, 2025. "Why do people become foster parents and how to recruit new families? A multi-informant study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:177:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925003433
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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