Date of Award

2005

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Education

Program

Education

Abstract

The present study examined foster parent motivation and satisfaction related to the issues of recruitment and retention. Specifically, this study investigated the orientation of foster parents’ initial motivation to foster and also explored multiple factors related to the overall level of foster parent satisfaction. The sample for this study consisted of foster parents employed by the Children’s Aid Societies (CAS) within a nine-county region in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. 643 foster parents responded to a mailed survey, which included items related to family characteristics, fostering experiences, and the relationship with the CAS. Results indicated that foster parents rated intrinsic factors as more influential than extrinsic factors with respect to their motivation for entering into the foster parent role. Additionally, the findings indicated that in order to feel satisfied, foster parents require multiple types of assistance and support. Implications of the findings are reviewed, along with recommendations for improving the quality of foster parents’ experience.

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