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Why do people become a foster parent? Insights from a national study

Author

Listed:
  • Magalhães, Eunice
  • Carvalho, Helena
  • Matoso, Mariana
  • Pinto, Vânia S.
  • Costa, Patrício
  • Ferreira, Sofia
  • Baptista, Joana
  • Anjos, Catarina
  • Graça, João

Abstract

Many countries face a shortfall in the number of foster families needed to support maltreated children. This study aims to explore the drivers and barriers to becoming a foster family and to identify clusters derived from these drivers/barriers and their association with sociodemographic factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Magalhães, Eunice & Carvalho, Helena & Matoso, Mariana & Pinto, Vânia S. & Costa, Patrício & Ferreira, Sofia & Baptista, Joana & Anjos, Catarina & Graça, João, 2026. "Why do people become a foster parent? Insights from a national study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925005699
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108686
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. 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).
    3. Elisete Diogo & Francisco Branco, 2019. "How Do People Become Foster Carers in Portugal? The Process of Building the Motivation," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Anjos, Catarina & Magalhães, Eunice & Graça, João & Pinto, Vânia S. & Baptista, Joana & Pinheiro, Micaela, 2023. "Perceived barriers, drivers and enablers to becoming a foster family: An exploratory study in Portugal," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    5. Vanderfaeillie, Johan & Van Holen, Frank & Vanschoonlandt, Femke & Robberechts, Marijke & Stroobants, Tim, 2013. "Children placed in long-term family foster care: A longitudinal study into the development of problem behavior and associated factors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 587-593.
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    13. 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).
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