Sharing the care: the qualities sought of social workers by foster carers |
| |
| Authors: | Fisher Gibbs Sinclair & Wilson |
| |
| Institution: | Lecturer in Social Work, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK,;?Senior Research Fellow, Social Work R &D Unit, University of York, York, UK,;Director, Social Work R &D Unit, University of York, York, UK,;Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | Given that foster carers are a scarce resource it is essential that every effort is made to retain their services. This paper considers the role played by social workers in this endeavour. The results reported here form part of larger study, involving seven local authorities, concerned with the wider issues of supporting foster placements. The paper describes the qualities sought of social workers by foster carers and discusses the relationship between these qualities and the likelihood that carers will continue fostering. It was found that carers are highly satisfied with the job of fostering, are committed to it and view social workers as a vital source of support. Promoting good relationships between social workers and foster carers is therefore an important element in any strategy that aims to retain good foster carers. |
| |
| Keywords: | foster carers retention social work support |
|
|
