Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Dr. Alan D.W. Leschied

Abstract

The current study investigated differences between the experiences of foster parents providing regular and treatment foster care, and their consideration to withdraw from their position. Survey responses from 852 foster parents were analyzed subsequent to separating the participants into two groups based on the type of care they provided (regular N = 454; treatment N = 398). Results from a chi-square test for independence revealed a treatment foster care parents considered withdrawing more than regular foster care parents. Cross-tabulations and independent samples t-tests revealed numerous differences between the two groups regarding foster parents reasons to withdraw and experiences fostering. The results indicate foster parents can no longer be studied as one homogenous group as differences in the experiences of foster parents providing different types of care are evident.

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