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Frank Van Holen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The role of Foster parents’ basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration as predictors of autonomy-supportive parenting and the functioning of Foster Children
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Stacey Van Den Abbeele, Giulia Fiorentino, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Self-determination theory (SDT) has been applied to several domains. SDT-research in parenting focuses on parents’ perception of satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (BPN) of autonomy, competence and relatedness. BPN satisfaction is considered a necessary condition for parenting high on autonomy support, structure and involvement, which in turn promotes emotional, behavioural and academic functioning of Children. Although many studies supported the SDT-model in parenting situations, SDT has not been investigated in Foster care. This study aims at examining if processes proposed by SDT are supported in a Foster care sample. 97 Flemish Foster mothers filled in questionnaires measuring BPN satisfaction and frustration in general, BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child, parenting and functioning of the Foster Child. BPN satisfaction was associated with autonomy support, structure and involvement. BPN frustration was associated with controlling parenting. Contrary to our expectations, autonomy-supportive parenting did not impact significantly the functioning of the Foster Child, suggesting a direct association of BPN satisfaction and frustration with the Foster Child’s functioning. Only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child and psychological control were associated with problem behaviour, and only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child was associated with prosocial behaviour. Although research in parenting in many studies confirmed hypotheses inferred from SDT, in this study SDT was not univocally supported. Several explanations are proposed and discussed.

  • Birth Children of Foster carers: How do they experience the Foster care placement
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Laura Gypen, Frank Van Holen, Delphine West, Johan Vanderfaeillie
    Abstract:

    Abstract Foster care is an important concept in our society and is preferred over other institutional care. However, including a Foster Child in the family, brings consequences to the whole family, including the birth Children. Fostering is known to come with both positive as negative effects for birth Children and parental concerns for the wellbeing of birth Children often contribute to Foster care breakdown. The aim of this study is to explore Foster Child characteristics and the acceptance of Foster Children, by birth Children and to compare mothers’ perceptions to birth Children’s own perceptions. 139 Belgian birth Children and their mothers were questioned with a self-assembled questionnaire. Regarding Foster Child characteristics, Foster mothers and birth Children reported that 20–21% of the Foster Children presented emotional problems, 14.5–20.5% behaviour problems and 25.2–33.1% signs of hyperactivity. Foster mothers seem to overestimate the problems of their Foster Children compared to the problems of their birth Children. Subsequently, even though they both mostly reported average levels of cohesion and adaptation, Foster mothers gave higher scores on cohesion in the family and significantly lower scores on the adaptation Fostering asks, compared to the scores of their birth Children. Regarding acceptation, most birth Children indicate that they have a positive attitude towards the Foster Child and would have difficulties with an ending of the Foster care placement. However, both Foster mothers as birth Children mostly report low levels of acceptation. Two backward linear regressions were done to become a predictive model of the acceptation of the Foster Child by the birth Child. Results indicate that it is important to involve birth Children in the recruitment and to support them throughout the whole Foster experience. Behaviour problems of Foster Children should be screened earlier and more effective interventions to lower problem behaviour should be researched and deployed.

  • Support needs and satisfaction of Flemish Foster parents in long-term Foster care: Associated characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Flanders, family Foster care is increasingly the option of choice when out-of-home care is needed. However, Foster care is a complex and challenging intervention and meeting all expectations by Foster parents is frequently hampered by the severity of the mental health problems of Foster Children and conflicts with birth parents. Moreover, these problems result in high support needs and low satisfaction of Foster carers, ultimately leading to placement disruption. This study aims at identifying characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements associated with low satisfaction and high support needs. Support needs and satisfaction from 1216 Flemish Foster parents were mapped with the Support Needs and Satisfaction Questionnaire–Foster Parents. Foster parents had rather limited support needs and high satisfaction scores. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child and shorter time between two visits was associated with more support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents and with support needs regarding parenting the Foster Child. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child, less non-professional support and non-kinship care were associated with lower satisfaction. As breakdown and discontinued Fostering are linked to dissatisfaction and lack of support, Foster placements of Children with more behavioural problems, with non-kinship parents and with Foster parents with less non-professional support should be considered at-risk placements needing intensive support.

  • Breakdown of Foster care placements in Flanders: incidence and associated factors.
    European child & adolescent psychiatry, 2017
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Elke Carlier, Hanne Fransen
    Abstract:

    In Flanders, family Foster care is increasingly the option of choice for Children in need of out-of-home care. Foster care is however an assailable intervention as is shown by the high number of placement disruptions. Knowledge regarding breakdown in Flanders remains scant. This study aimed at investigating the incidence of placement breakdown in Flemish long-term Foster care and exploring the association of breakdown with Foster Child, Foster family and case characteristics. Case files of 309 Flemish Foster Children were analysed. After 6 years, 208 placements had terminated: 90 placements broke down and 118 placements ended positively. Foster Child’s behavioural problems, conflicts between birth and Foster parents and parenting problems of the Foster parents were the main causes of placement disruption. Foster Children with behavioural problems at admission, older Foster Children and Foster Children who denied treatment were more at risk of breakdown. Consideration of these factors is important in view of the appropriateness of family Foster care placements.

  • evaluation of a Foster parent intervention for Foster Children with externalizing problem behaviour
    Child & Family Social Work, 2017
    Co-Authors: Frank Van Holen, Femke Vanschoonlandt, Johan Vanderfaeillie
    Abstract:

    Background The aim of this Flemish study (Dutch speaking part of Belgium) is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention based on the social learning theory for Foster parents who take care of a Foster Child (ages 3–12) with externalizing problem behaviour (a borderline or clinical score on the externalizing broad-band or on one of the externalizing problems scales of the Child Behaviour Checklist), with respect to breakdown, Foster Children's externalizing problems and Foster mothers' parenting stress. Methods A randomized controlled trial was used to compare, at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up, an intervention group (n = 30) with a treatment as usual control group (n = 33) consisting of Foster parents of new placements recruited via a routine screening or on-going placements signed up by their Foster care worker. The intervention consists of 10 home sessions. Results The intervention had significant small short-term en large long-term effects on externalizing problems and medium short-term and long-term effects on parenting stress. No significant effects were found on the breakdown rate. Conclusions Giving the evidence for its effects on Foster Children's externalizing and Foster mothers' parenting stress, implementation of this Foster parent intervention might increase the effectiveness of Foster care.

Johan Vanderfaeillie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The role of Foster parents’ basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration as predictors of autonomy-supportive parenting and the functioning of Foster Children
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Stacey Van Den Abbeele, Giulia Fiorentino, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Self-determination theory (SDT) has been applied to several domains. SDT-research in parenting focuses on parents’ perception of satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (BPN) of autonomy, competence and relatedness. BPN satisfaction is considered a necessary condition for parenting high on autonomy support, structure and involvement, which in turn promotes emotional, behavioural and academic functioning of Children. Although many studies supported the SDT-model in parenting situations, SDT has not been investigated in Foster care. This study aims at examining if processes proposed by SDT are supported in a Foster care sample. 97 Flemish Foster mothers filled in questionnaires measuring BPN satisfaction and frustration in general, BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child, parenting and functioning of the Foster Child. BPN satisfaction was associated with autonomy support, structure and involvement. BPN frustration was associated with controlling parenting. Contrary to our expectations, autonomy-supportive parenting did not impact significantly the functioning of the Foster Child, suggesting a direct association of BPN satisfaction and frustration with the Foster Child’s functioning. Only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child and psychological control were associated with problem behaviour, and only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child was associated with prosocial behaviour. Although research in parenting in many studies confirmed hypotheses inferred from SDT, in this study SDT was not univocally supported. Several explanations are proposed and discussed.

  • Birth Children of Foster carers: How do they experience the Foster care placement
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Laura Gypen, Frank Van Holen, Delphine West, Johan Vanderfaeillie
    Abstract:

    Abstract Foster care is an important concept in our society and is preferred over other institutional care. However, including a Foster Child in the family, brings consequences to the whole family, including the birth Children. Fostering is known to come with both positive as negative effects for birth Children and parental concerns for the wellbeing of birth Children often contribute to Foster care breakdown. The aim of this study is to explore Foster Child characteristics and the acceptance of Foster Children, by birth Children and to compare mothers’ perceptions to birth Children’s own perceptions. 139 Belgian birth Children and their mothers were questioned with a self-assembled questionnaire. Regarding Foster Child characteristics, Foster mothers and birth Children reported that 20–21% of the Foster Children presented emotional problems, 14.5–20.5% behaviour problems and 25.2–33.1% signs of hyperactivity. Foster mothers seem to overestimate the problems of their Foster Children compared to the problems of their birth Children. Subsequently, even though they both mostly reported average levels of cohesion and adaptation, Foster mothers gave higher scores on cohesion in the family and significantly lower scores on the adaptation Fostering asks, compared to the scores of their birth Children. Regarding acceptation, most birth Children indicate that they have a positive attitude towards the Foster Child and would have difficulties with an ending of the Foster care placement. However, both Foster mothers as birth Children mostly report low levels of acceptation. Two backward linear regressions were done to become a predictive model of the acceptation of the Foster Child by the birth Child. Results indicate that it is important to involve birth Children in the recruitment and to support them throughout the whole Foster experience. Behaviour problems of Foster Children should be screened earlier and more effective interventions to lower problem behaviour should be researched and deployed.

  • Support needs and satisfaction of Flemish Foster parents in long-term Foster care: Associated characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Flanders, family Foster care is increasingly the option of choice when out-of-home care is needed. However, Foster care is a complex and challenging intervention and meeting all expectations by Foster parents is frequently hampered by the severity of the mental health problems of Foster Children and conflicts with birth parents. Moreover, these problems result in high support needs and low satisfaction of Foster carers, ultimately leading to placement disruption. This study aims at identifying characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements associated with low satisfaction and high support needs. Support needs and satisfaction from 1216 Flemish Foster parents were mapped with the Support Needs and Satisfaction Questionnaire–Foster Parents. Foster parents had rather limited support needs and high satisfaction scores. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child and shorter time between two visits was associated with more support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents and with support needs regarding parenting the Foster Child. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child, less non-professional support and non-kinship care were associated with lower satisfaction. As breakdown and discontinued Fostering are linked to dissatisfaction and lack of support, Foster placements of Children with more behavioural problems, with non-kinship parents and with Foster parents with less non-professional support should be considered at-risk placements needing intensive support.

  • Breakdown of Foster care placements in Flanders: incidence and associated factors.
    European child & adolescent psychiatry, 2017
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Elke Carlier, Hanne Fransen
    Abstract:

    In Flanders, family Foster care is increasingly the option of choice for Children in need of out-of-home care. Foster care is however an assailable intervention as is shown by the high number of placement disruptions. Knowledge regarding breakdown in Flanders remains scant. This study aimed at investigating the incidence of placement breakdown in Flemish long-term Foster care and exploring the association of breakdown with Foster Child, Foster family and case characteristics. Case files of 309 Flemish Foster Children were analysed. After 6 years, 208 placements had terminated: 90 placements broke down and 118 placements ended positively. Foster Child’s behavioural problems, conflicts between birth and Foster parents and parenting problems of the Foster parents were the main causes of placement disruption. Foster Children with behavioural problems at admission, older Foster Children and Foster Children who denied treatment were more at risk of breakdown. Consideration of these factors is important in view of the appropriateness of family Foster care placements.

  • evaluation of a Foster parent intervention for Foster Children with externalizing problem behaviour
    Child & Family Social Work, 2017
    Co-Authors: Frank Van Holen, Femke Vanschoonlandt, Johan Vanderfaeillie
    Abstract:

    Background The aim of this Flemish study (Dutch speaking part of Belgium) is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention based on the social learning theory for Foster parents who take care of a Foster Child (ages 3–12) with externalizing problem behaviour (a borderline or clinical score on the externalizing broad-band or on one of the externalizing problems scales of the Child Behaviour Checklist), with respect to breakdown, Foster Children's externalizing problems and Foster mothers' parenting stress. Methods A randomized controlled trial was used to compare, at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up, an intervention group (n = 30) with a treatment as usual control group (n = 33) consisting of Foster parents of new placements recruited via a routine screening or on-going placements signed up by their Foster care worker. The intervention consists of 10 home sessions. Results The intervention had significant small short-term en large long-term effects on externalizing problems and medium short-term and long-term effects on parenting stress. No significant effects were found on the breakdown rate. Conclusions Giving the evidence for its effects on Foster Children's externalizing and Foster mothers' parenting stress, implementation of this Foster parent intervention might increase the effectiveness of Foster care.

Laurence Belenger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Who returns home? Study on placement outcomes of Flemish Foster Children
    Child & Family Social Work, 2016
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger, Laura Gypen
    Abstract:

    Until recently, Flemish family Foster care was a temporary measure with as its most important goal, the reunification of the Foster Child with the birth parents. To date, nothing is known on the number of reunifications, nor has any study been undertaken into the factors (Child, parent, Foster parent and Foster care process) associated with reunification. Case files of 127 Foster Children who exited Foster care in 2007 were analysed. Dependent variables were type of Foster care placement outcome (reunification, successful placement without reunification or breakdown) and place of residence after placement ending (with birth parents, extended family, Foster family, residential care or living independently). After placement ending, only 40% of Foster Children went living with their parents, including Foster Children who were reunified (26%) and Foster Children who moved to their parents after a placement breakdown (14%). Characteristics of the Foster Children, and in particular absence of problem behaviour, were associated mainly with a return home. This may indicate that too much attention is paid to the functioning of the Foster Child and too little to improving the competencies of the parents and the (future) home environment.

  • Support Needs and Satisfaction in Foster Care: Differences Between Foster Mothers and Foster Fathers
    Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2015
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Laura Gypen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger
    Abstract:

    Family Foster care is a vulnerable youth care intervention. The recruitment and retention of Foster parents causes concerns. Offering support to Foster mothers and Foster fathers can augment the satisfaction and the intent of continuing Fostering. Clearer understanding of the support needs of Foster parents and their satisfaction with the Foster care placement can lead to the identification of ways to improve the support offered. Although differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers regarding their support needs and satisfaction can be expected, knowledge about these differences is nonexistent. Differences in support needs and satisfaction between 86 Foster mothers and Foster fathers who reported on 120 Foster Children were examined. No differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers were found. Both Foster parents had higher support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents compared to support needs in handling problem behavior of the Foster Child. For both Foster mothers and Foster fathers satisfaction with collaboration with the Foster care worker, satisfaction with recognition experienced and satisfaction with reunification of the Foster Child, did not differ across these aspects. Satisfaction of Foster parents can be increased by keeping in balance the rights and needs of birth parents and those of Foster parents. Acknowledging that Foster parents are experts on their Foster Child and consulting them on important decisions will also contribute significantly to their satisfaction.

Laura Gypen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The role of Foster parents’ basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration as predictors of autonomy-supportive parenting and the functioning of Foster Children
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Stacey Van Den Abbeele, Giulia Fiorentino, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract Self-determination theory (SDT) has been applied to several domains. SDT-research in parenting focuses on parents’ perception of satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (BPN) of autonomy, competence and relatedness. BPN satisfaction is considered a necessary condition for parenting high on autonomy support, structure and involvement, which in turn promotes emotional, behavioural and academic functioning of Children. Although many studies supported the SDT-model in parenting situations, SDT has not been investigated in Foster care. This study aims at examining if processes proposed by SDT are supported in a Foster care sample. 97 Flemish Foster mothers filled in questionnaires measuring BPN satisfaction and frustration in general, BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child, parenting and functioning of the Foster Child. BPN satisfaction was associated with autonomy support, structure and involvement. BPN frustration was associated with controlling parenting. Contrary to our expectations, autonomy-supportive parenting did not impact significantly the functioning of the Foster Child, suggesting a direct association of BPN satisfaction and frustration with the Foster Child’s functioning. Only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child and psychological control were associated with problem behaviour, and only BPN satisfaction in relationship with the Foster Child was associated with prosocial behaviour. Although research in parenting in many studies confirmed hypotheses inferred from SDT, in this study SDT was not univocally supported. Several explanations are proposed and discussed.

  • Birth Children of Foster carers: How do they experience the Foster care placement
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Laura Gypen, Frank Van Holen, Delphine West, Johan Vanderfaeillie
    Abstract:

    Abstract Foster care is an important concept in our society and is preferred over other institutional care. However, including a Foster Child in the family, brings consequences to the whole family, including the birth Children. Fostering is known to come with both positive as negative effects for birth Children and parental concerns for the wellbeing of birth Children often contribute to Foster care breakdown. The aim of this study is to explore Foster Child characteristics and the acceptance of Foster Children, by birth Children and to compare mothers’ perceptions to birth Children’s own perceptions. 139 Belgian birth Children and their mothers were questioned with a self-assembled questionnaire. Regarding Foster Child characteristics, Foster mothers and birth Children reported that 20–21% of the Foster Children presented emotional problems, 14.5–20.5% behaviour problems and 25.2–33.1% signs of hyperactivity. Foster mothers seem to overestimate the problems of their Foster Children compared to the problems of their birth Children. Subsequently, even though they both mostly reported average levels of cohesion and adaptation, Foster mothers gave higher scores on cohesion in the family and significantly lower scores on the adaptation Fostering asks, compared to the scores of their birth Children. Regarding acceptation, most birth Children indicate that they have a positive attitude towards the Foster Child and would have difficulties with an ending of the Foster care placement. However, both Foster mothers as birth Children mostly report low levels of acceptation. Two backward linear regressions were done to become a predictive model of the acceptation of the Foster Child by the birth Child. Results indicate that it is important to involve birth Children in the recruitment and to support them throughout the whole Foster experience. Behaviour problems of Foster Children should be screened earlier and more effective interventions to lower problem behaviour should be researched and deployed.

  • Support needs and satisfaction of Flemish Foster parents in long-term Foster care: Associated characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2020
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Laura Gypen, Delphine West, Frank Van Holen
    Abstract:

    Abstract In Flanders, family Foster care is increasingly the option of choice when out-of-home care is needed. However, Foster care is a complex and challenging intervention and meeting all expectations by Foster parents is frequently hampered by the severity of the mental health problems of Foster Children and conflicts with birth parents. Moreover, these problems result in high support needs and low satisfaction of Foster carers, ultimately leading to placement disruption. This study aims at identifying characteristics of Foster Children, Foster parents and Foster placements associated with low satisfaction and high support needs. Support needs and satisfaction from 1216 Flemish Foster parents were mapped with the Support Needs and Satisfaction Questionnaire–Foster Parents. Foster parents had rather limited support needs and high satisfaction scores. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child and shorter time between two visits was associated with more support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents and with support needs regarding parenting the Foster Child. More behavioural problems of the Foster Child, less non-professional support and non-kinship care were associated with lower satisfaction. As breakdown and discontinued Fostering are linked to dissatisfaction and lack of support, Foster placements of Children with more behavioural problems, with non-kinship parents and with Foster parents with less non-professional support should be considered at-risk placements needing intensive support.

  • Who returns home? Study on placement outcomes of Flemish Foster Children
    Child & Family Social Work, 2016
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger, Laura Gypen
    Abstract:

    Until recently, Flemish family Foster care was a temporary measure with as its most important goal, the reunification of the Foster Child with the birth parents. To date, nothing is known on the number of reunifications, nor has any study been undertaken into the factors (Child, parent, Foster parent and Foster care process) associated with reunification. Case files of 127 Foster Children who exited Foster care in 2007 were analysed. Dependent variables were type of Foster care placement outcome (reunification, successful placement without reunification or breakdown) and place of residence after placement ending (with birth parents, extended family, Foster family, residential care or living independently). After placement ending, only 40% of Foster Children went living with their parents, including Foster Children who were reunified (26%) and Foster Children who moved to their parents after a placement breakdown (14%). Characteristics of the Foster Children, and in particular absence of problem behaviour, were associated mainly with a return home. This may indicate that too much attention is paid to the functioning of the Foster Child and too little to improving the competencies of the parents and the (future) home environment.

  • Support Needs and Satisfaction in Foster Care: Differences Between Foster Mothers and Foster Fathers
    Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2015
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Laura Gypen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger
    Abstract:

    Family Foster care is a vulnerable youth care intervention. The recruitment and retention of Foster parents causes concerns. Offering support to Foster mothers and Foster fathers can augment the satisfaction and the intent of continuing Fostering. Clearer understanding of the support needs of Foster parents and their satisfaction with the Foster care placement can lead to the identification of ways to improve the support offered. Although differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers regarding their support needs and satisfaction can be expected, knowledge about these differences is nonexistent. Differences in support needs and satisfaction between 86 Foster mothers and Foster fathers who reported on 120 Foster Children were examined. No differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers were found. Both Foster parents had higher support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents compared to support needs in handling problem behavior of the Foster Child. For both Foster mothers and Foster fathers satisfaction with collaboration with the Foster care worker, satisfaction with recognition experienced and satisfaction with reunification of the Foster Child, did not differ across these aspects. Satisfaction of Foster parents can be increased by keeping in balance the rights and needs of birth parents and those of Foster parents. Acknowledging that Foster parents are experts on their Foster Child and consulting them on important decisions will also contribute significantly to their satisfaction.

Skrallan De Maeyer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Who returns home? Study on placement outcomes of Flemish Foster Children
    Child & Family Social Work, 2016
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger, Laura Gypen
    Abstract:

    Until recently, Flemish family Foster care was a temporary measure with as its most important goal, the reunification of the Foster Child with the birth parents. To date, nothing is known on the number of reunifications, nor has any study been undertaken into the factors (Child, parent, Foster parent and Foster care process) associated with reunification. Case files of 127 Foster Children who exited Foster care in 2007 were analysed. Dependent variables were type of Foster care placement outcome (reunification, successful placement without reunification or breakdown) and place of residence after placement ending (with birth parents, extended family, Foster family, residential care or living independently). After placement ending, only 40% of Foster Children went living with their parents, including Foster Children who were reunified (26%) and Foster Children who moved to their parents after a placement breakdown (14%). Characteristics of the Foster Children, and in particular absence of problem behaviour, were associated mainly with a return home. This may indicate that too much attention is paid to the functioning of the Foster Child and too little to improving the competencies of the parents and the (future) home environment.

  • Support Needs and Satisfaction in Foster Care: Differences Between Foster Mothers and Foster Fathers
    Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2015
    Co-Authors: Johan Vanderfaeillie, Frank Van Holen, Laura Gypen, Skrallan De Maeyer, Laurence Belenger
    Abstract:

    Family Foster care is a vulnerable youth care intervention. The recruitment and retention of Foster parents causes concerns. Offering support to Foster mothers and Foster fathers can augment the satisfaction and the intent of continuing Fostering. Clearer understanding of the support needs of Foster parents and their satisfaction with the Foster care placement can lead to the identification of ways to improve the support offered. Although differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers regarding their support needs and satisfaction can be expected, knowledge about these differences is nonexistent. Differences in support needs and satisfaction between 86 Foster mothers and Foster fathers who reported on 120 Foster Children were examined. No differences between Foster mothers and Foster fathers were found. Both Foster parents had higher support needs regarding dealing with the birth parents compared to support needs in handling problem behavior of the Foster Child. For both Foster mothers and Foster fathers satisfaction with collaboration with the Foster care worker, satisfaction with recognition experienced and satisfaction with reunification of the Foster Child, did not differ across these aspects. Satisfaction of Foster parents can be increased by keeping in balance the rights and needs of birth parents and those of Foster parents. Acknowledging that Foster parents are experts on their Foster Child and consulting them on important decisions will also contribute significantly to their satisfaction.

  • Explorative study into support needs of caregivers in short-term Foster care regarding problem behaviour and dealing with biological parents
    European Journal of Social Work, 2014
    Co-Authors: Frank Van Holen, Femke Vanschoonlandt, Johan Vanderfaeillie, Skrallan De Maeyer, Tim Stroobants
    Abstract:

    Family supporting Foster care (FSFC) is a directly accessible, short-term and preventive form of Foster care for Children under the age of 12. Caregivers in this type of Foster care need comprehensive support to deal with their complex tasks. In this contribution, the support needs arising from the behaviour of the Foster Child as well as concerning dealing with the biological parents of 85 Flemish FSFC-parents are examined, as these are areas FSFC-parents specifically ask support for. These support needs are evaluated for possible links with Child and Foster parent characteristics. More experienced Foster parents and Foster parents with a Foster Child showing more externalising problem behaviour ask for more support in managing the Child's behaviour.

  • kinship and non kinship Foster care differences in contact with parents and Foster Child s mental health problems
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2012
    Co-Authors: Femke Vanschoonlandt, Frank Van Holen, Johan Vanderfaeillie, Skrallan De Maeyer, Caroline Andries
    Abstract:

    Abstract Foster care placements, especially placements with kin, are the first option of choice when parents cannot maintain the care for their Children. Therefore, an evaluation of this type of out-of-home-placement, with special attention for the differences between kinship and non-kinship placements, is necessary. In this study both types of Foster placements (n = 186) are compared for two important aspects: contact with/attitude of parents and mental health of Foster Children. Non-kinship Foster placements fare better on different aspects of contact with/attitude of parents than kinship Foster placements. Foster Children in kinship Foster placements have less behavioral problems than non-kinship Foster Children. However, not the type of Foster placement but the number of previous out-of-home placements is the most important predictive factor for behavioral problems. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.