Re: Foster parents opinions

[DSWLFSU@xxxxxxx]

>From a UK perspective most of the considerable research done on foster 
placements has been quantitative, focusing on gathering large amounts of 
statistical data. Qualitative studies that focus on the feelings and opinions 
of the carers are far less common. It would be interesting to do such a study 
comparing the different meanings foster carers, birth parents and social 
workers have about fostering. What tentative studies I've seen have suggested 
that notions of what makes a "real" family have a lot of bearing on how 
successful placements are with foster families seen as "second best" by the 
foster carers themselves and the fostered children

David Saltiel
Service Manager
West Leeds Family Service Units
Tel: 0113-275-7600
email: dswlfsu@aol.com