Preservice training perspectives among Florida foster parents

Abstract

Relatively little is known about foster parent preservice training, particularly how foster parents perceive the helpfulness of preservice training. Given the high turnover of foster parents and research indicating that multiple demands are placed on foster parents, more attention should be paid to the preparation and support of new foster parents. The purpose of this study was to utilize an administrative data set from the state of Florida to examine foster parents’ perceptions of the type and quality of their preservice training in terms of feeling prepared to take on a foster care placement in their home. Almost one half of all participants were able to identify the name of the training completed. Of which, three of the trainings have some empirical support in published literature. Additionally, a little more than one half of participants indicated they felt prepared for their role as a foster parent, but almost one third indicated not feeling prepared for the role. Slightly more than one quarter of participants indicated supplementing their training with other resources. Results support the need for more rigorous evaluation of preservice training due to limited empirical support, attention to how training prepares foster parents to support the needs of the child and family following placement, and potential improvements to what is covered in preservice training.