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Exploring the dimensions of professionalising fostering: Carers’ perceptions of their fostering role

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 February 2016

Ciara Smyth  and
Marilyn McHugh
Ciara Smyth
Affiliation:
Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Email: c.smyth@unsw.edu.au
Marilyn McHugh
Affiliation:
Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Email: M.McHugh@unsw.edu.au
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Abstract

Australia is experiencing major difficulties attracting and retaining foster carers. This crisis in recruitment has focused attention on whether fostering can continue to rely on voluntary carers. This paper examines data from a 2003/4 survey of foster carers in New South Wales commissioned by the Department of Community Services. The research explores carers’ perceptions of the nature of the fostering role and examines these in relation to three dimensions of professionalisation: training, support and payment. The findings indicate that the majority of carers believe fostering should be regarded as a professional or semi-professional role. Among these carers, there was a higher level of support for the three dimensions of professionalisation compared to carers who regard their role as voluntary. Differences in perceptions were not attributable to other socio-demographic characteristics, aside from education levels. This paper also addresses the policy implications of these findings for the future recruitment and retention of carers.

Type
Research Article
Information
Children Australia , Volume 31 , Issue 1 , 2006 , pp. 12 - 20
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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