Abstract:

The aim of this research is to understand the problems experienced in the foster care system and all aspects of the process from the perspectives of the foster families and their evaluations of the system and the process. In the light of this information, suggestions are made for the development of social policy and social services in order to develop the foster care model. Designed as a qualitative research model, the study is based on the data collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with 26 foster parents who are members of Denizli and Istanbul Foster Family Associations (13 foster parents from each organization). The data was analyzed and interpreted on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Research results had been analyzed under the main themes of; foster family's motivation, information and education, adaptation process, biological family and foster families' overall assessment about system and process.

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