Identifying, attracting and retaining successful foster parents. This research project will improve Australian foster care systems. By developing tools to identify, attract and retain successful foster parents more effectively we will address two critical problems facing foster care organisations: decreasing numbers of foster parents and increasing numbers of 'placement breakdowns'. Improvements of these factors will (1) give foster children a more positive and healthier start to life; (2) reduc ....Identifying, attracting and retaining successful foster parents. This research project will improve Australian foster care systems. By developing tools to identify, attract and retain successful foster parents more effectively we will address two critical problems facing foster care organisations: decreasing numbers of foster parents and increasing numbers of 'placement breakdowns'. Improvements of these factors will (1) give foster children a more positive and healthier start to life; (2) reduce the extent to which foster children develop antisocial and emotional attachment problems; (3) reduce the incidence of criminal and antisocial behaviours among foster children; and consequently (4) have a positive long-term effect on the social fabric of Australia.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102003
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
More foster carers for children in need: understanding heterogeneity among Australian foster carers to increase recruitment and placement success. This project improves the ability of foster care organisations to attract the particular types of carers best suited to the children needing homes. More suitable carers will give foster children a healthier start to life, reduce the chances of developing antisocial behaviours and increase the chances of become contributing members of society.