Lovatt, Heather (2005) Foster carer support: what it is, what it is not and what it could be!! In: Proceedings of the Mackay CROCCS 2005 Conference . From: Mackay CROCCS 2005 Conference, 5-7 August 2005, Mackay, QLD, Australia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Research over a span of 20 years has clearly identified what support foster carers want. Research has also identified that foster carers' still feel there is a lack of needed support. This paper gives a short outline of what support is and what it is not. The paper then discusses what it could be in terms of a broader role and use of skills for foster carers in relation to family support and prevention/early intervention responses. Despite the excellent research to date, support for foster carers has been researched in the context of the child protection out-of-home care system as it is. This paper contends that if foster carers are to be recruited and retained then their 'lob' must change and offer more opportunity to truly be child focussed and making a difference not just when children enter the statutory system but before!! A broadening role in relation to family support would mean that aspects impacting on vulnerable families such as poverty, homelessness and depression could be responded to in practical ways.

Item ID:	14797
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
Keywords:	feminism; foster care; foster parents; support
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2010 22:42
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160702 Counselling, Welfare and Community Services @ 100%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940105 Childrens/Youth Services and Childcare @ 100%
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