Engagement tactics with foster parents: Experiences of resource workers

In: Social work & social sciences review: an international journal of applied research, Band 18, Heft 3, S. 80-100

Abstract

Resource workers are child welfare workers who work closely with foster parents following placement of a child placed in care. One of the challenges they experience is reluctance to their involvement. Resource workers from a large metropolitan area were asked: "What do you do when foster parents are reluctant about your involvement?" Responses to this question were analyzed with multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Nine concepts resulted, including: Recognize Problems, Build Trust, Go the Extra, Be Positive, Broaden their Network, Find Commonalities, Set Limits, Understand Them, and Reinforce Accountability. These concepts were compared and contrasted with the available literature.