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Retaining Foster/Adoptive Parents

Resources on techniques, approaches, and organizations that provide support to foster/adoptive parents during the recruitment process, through placement preparation, and after placing children in their homes.

Getting More Parents for Children From Your Recruitment Efforts: Practitioner's Guide (PDF - 2790 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2003)
Presents a results-based approach for supporting prospective adoptive parents throughout the adoption process, from initial inquiry to final approval for placement.

How Parents Really Feel About the Adoption Process
Katz (2004)
View Abstract
A recent study of adoptive families revealed factors that influence the retention of prospective parents.

NASW Practice Snapshot: Helping Prospective Adoptive Parents to Navigate the Foster Care System
National Association of Social Workers (2005)
Highlights trends in the number of people who do not follow through with the adoption process and their reasons for dropping out.

Resource Family Retention: An Overview (PDF - 62 KB)
National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning (2002)
This table presents the basic elements of resource family retention.

Retaining Recruited Resource Families (PDF - 107 KB)
National Resource Center for Special Needs Adoption (2004)
Outlines strategies at the administrative, program, and practice levels for retaining families recruited for foster care and adoption.

Updated on December 7, 2007