Effective Strategies for Training Social Workers to Work with Foster Families: International Experience and Pathways for Improvement

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63034/esr-277

Keywords:

professional training, social workers, foster families, international experience, educational strategies.

Abstract

The article examines effective strategies for professional training of social workers to work with foster families, based on an analysis of international experience. Special attention is given to best practices aimed at developing interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution, and psychological support in the context of foster families' unique needs. Key aspects of professional development programs are highlighted, including their adaptation to socio-cultural conditions. Based on a systematic analysis, recommendations are proposed to improve existing approaches to social worker training, including the integration of innovative technologies and methods. The findings emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach and continuous professional development to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the foster care system.

References

Altshuler, S. J., & Gleeson, J. P. (1999). Completing the evaluation triangle for the next century: Measuring child "well-being" in family foster care. Child Welfare, 78(1), 125–147.

Anderson, K. P., & Renner, L. M. (2021). Training social workers to support foster families: A trauma-informed approach. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(4), 615–628. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2020.1807635

Barth, R. P., Crea, T. M., John, K., Thoburn, J., & Quinton, D. (2005). Beyond attachment theory and therapy: Towards sensitive and evidence-based interventions with foster and adoptive families in distress. Child & Family Social Work, 10(4), 257–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2005.00380.x

Berrick, J. D., Shauffer, C., & Rodriguez, J. (2011). Developing a foster parent recruitment plan: Reflections on a simulation model. Child Welfare, 90(5), 51–67.

Boddy, J., & Statham, J. (2020). Support for foster carers: The role of social work supervision. European Journal of Social Work, 23(2), 214–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2020.1713103

Brown, J. D., & Calder, P. (2000). Concept mapping the needs of foster parents. Child Welfare, 79(6), 729–746.

Cooley, M. E., & Petren, R. E. (2011). Foster parent perceptions of competency: Implications for training and support. Children and Youth Services Review, 33(10), 1968–1974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.05.026

Cox, M. E., & Callahan, M. (2020). Enhancing social work practice with foster families: A resilience-based framework. Journal of Family Social Work, 23(3), 214–229. https://doi.org/10.1080/10522158.2020.1728994

Fisher, P. A., & Stoolmiller, M. (2008). Intervention effects on foster parent stress: Associations with child cortisol levels. Development and Psychopathology, 20(3), 1003–1021. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579408000473

Geiger, J. M., & Hayes, M. J. (2013). The role of social support in fostering resilience among foster parents. Children and Youth Services Review, 35(1), 84–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.10.014

Gibbs, P., & Wildfire, J. (2007). Enhancing foster care support: Insights from foster parent focus groups. Social Work Research, 31(1), 3–12.

Harnett, P. H., & Dawe, S. (2008). The contribution of mindfulness-based parenting interventions to support foster carers. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 11(3), 172–190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-008-0030-6

Oke, N., Rostill-Brookes, H., & Larkin, M. (2013). The experiences of foster carers in the UK: The impact of support networks. Child & Family Social Work, 18(4), 461–470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00862.x

Piescher, K. N., Colburn, G., LaLiberte, T., & Hong, S. (2018). Examining foster care placement stability: The role of placement support and services. Child Abuse & Neglect, 81, 68–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.016

Turney, K., & Wildeman, C. (2016). Mental and physical health of children in foster care. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20161118. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-1118

Additional Files

Published

2024-12-20

How to Cite

Abdissagiyeva, A. (2024). Effective Strategies for Training Social Workers to Work with Foster Families: International Experience and Pathways for Improvement. Eurasian Science Review An International Peer-Reviewed Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(8), 26–34. https://doi.org/10.63034/esr-277

Issue

Section

Research articles

Categories