Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences

Elisete Diogo and Francisco Branco
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Elisete Diogo: Social Work Department, Catholic University of Portugal, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal
Francisco Branco: Social Work Department, Catholic University of Portugal, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal

Societies, 2017, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Foster care is an almost absent component in the child care system and scientific research conducted in Portugal foster comprises 3.2% 1 of out-of-home care in Portugal. This research aims to contribute to a deeper visibility of the care phenomena, giving specific attention to the foster families themselves. This research adopted a qualitative analytical approach, inspired by Grounded Theory. Foster families’ motivation is rooted in altruism, affection for children, and sensitivity to maltreatment. Personal and professional biography or past contact with out-of-home care can also induce predisposition to become a carer. The experience of being a carer 2 is one of traversing through a life of many challenges and rewards. Considering the recognition from the stakeholders, it is a rewarding task. The quality of the service provided and the performance of the care professionals are both key elements to foster care.

Keywords: child welfare; foster families; social work; policy making; Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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