An Exploratory Investigation Of Foster Parent Retention In Arkansas

While widely regarded as problematic among child welfare professionals, the issue of foster parent retention has received limited academic attention. Even less is known about the state of foster parenting in Arkansas. In this exploratory study, the author conducted qualitative interviews with five child welfare workers to determine whether Arkansas experiences the same difficulty retaining foster parents as other states. The study also sought to explore the respondent’s perceived barriers to retention. It was discovered that Arkansas experiences severe foster parent attrition due to emotional drain, institutional barriers, lack of agency support, and overcrowding of homes. Hamilton, L. (2011). "An Exploratory Investigation of Foster Parent Retention in Arkansas." Midsouth Political Science Review, Volume 12, 2011, pages 69-85. Published by University of Central Arkansas, version of record available at: http:// uca.edu/politicalscience/midsouth-political-science-review-mpsr/volume-12-2011/ An Exploratory Investigation of Foster Parent Retention in Arkansas Leah Hamilton, MSW, Ph.D. University of Arkansas While widely regarded as problematic among child welfare professionals, the issue of foster parent retention has received limited academic attention. Even less is known about the state of foster parenting in Arkansas. In this exploratory study, the author conducted qualitative interviews with five child welfare workers to determine whether Arkansas experiences the same difficulty retaining foster parents as other states. The study also sought to explore the respondent’s perceived barriers to retention. It was discovered that Arkansas experiences severe foster parent attrition due to emotional drain, institutional barriers, lack of agency support, and overcrowding of homes.