Role Perceptions of Kinship and Other Foster Parents in Family Foster Care

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Abstract
This chapter discusses the results of two related studies that examined the characteristics, role conceptions, agency involvement, and satisfaction of relative and nonrelative foster parents. The two studies involved relative and nonrelative foster parents from the Casey Family Program and public and child welfare foster parents in Louisiana. It is shown the relative and nonrelative foster families have distinct differences. Relative foster families are likely to have lower family incomes, to be headed by older single women, have slightly younger foster children, and to be persons of color. These demographic differences and characteristics indicate the need for increased support the establishment of a plan for the child in the event of a death of one or both parents.