Foster Parent Demographics: A Research Note

Abstract

Data were collected on a random sample of 218 foster parents in Michigan during Fall 1991 regarding socioeconomic characteristics, licensure arrangement with placement agencies, foster parenting experiences, life experiences, reasons for entering, and satisfaction with fosterparenting. Respondents were predominately female (77 percent), white (78 percent), educated beyond high school (63 percent), with an annual family income (excluding foster care payments) over $26,000. Most were Protestant (78 percent), currently married (79 percent), and married once (71 percent).The average foster home cares for three children with 1.5 foster children currently placed. Median number of placements was eight with families typically fostering numerous categories of children. Replacement of foster children occurred in 21 percent of the sample with less than 24 hours notice.(Journal abstract, edited.)