Deciding to foster: an action research projection

The Fostering Services recruitment team for Warwickshire Social Service has been concerned about the process of attrition which occurs from the enquiry stage by members of the public, through to the point of application to foster. This study was undertaken by one of the authors who is a member of the fostering recruitment team. The research has 4 aims; it was expected that a greater understanding of the issues that motivate and deter prospective applicants to foster would help improve practice. Positive factors that encourage people to apply were highlighted, but also a number of significant obstacles were also identified. (Original abstract - amended)