Abstracts Communications and the Arts

EFFECTIVENESS OF SERVICES IN FOSTER CARE FROM THE FOSTER PARENTS' PERSPECTIVE

by Christina Marie Landeros

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of foster parent perceptions of the services their foster youth were receiving. This study aimed to gather information based on how effective foster parents felt these services were in the hopes that this information can lead to better service provisions. This study conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews of fifteen foster parents with foster children enrolled in Hesperia Unified School District. Qualitative data analysis revealed themes and subthemes in positive and negative experiences associated County versus school service referrals, as well as social worker communication with foster families. The study found that participants related effectiveness of services with social worker availability, communication, timeliness, and assistance with tasks. This study recommends County social workers are provided further training through their employer to develop more effective communication and follow-up skills. The study also recommends research be conducted with additional school districts within San Bernardino to gather a larger sample size of San Bernardino County foster parents.