Foster Fathers and Carework: Engaging Alternate Models of Parenting

Abstract

Previous research on foster fathers suggests that such fathers often model parenting practices that may counter the abusive experiences of fathering enacted within their birth families, thus contributing to the breaking of negative parenting patterns. The present research sought to examine how a group of Australian foster fathers understand their role as fathers and their practices in creating families. More specifically, attention was paid to extending previous research that has found that foster fathers often parent in non-gender normative ways, and the implications of this for child-focused modes of care provision. Drawing on interviews and focus groups involving 31 gay and heterosexual foster fathers, most of whom were providing long-term care, the findings suggest that these men engage in child-focused approaches to care provision that provide a balance between adult’s and children’s needs and which involve a clear commitment to providing positive role models for children that often rework gender-normative approaches to parenting as men.