Foster parent perspectives of privatization policy and the privatized system

This study focused on foster parent perspectives of foster care privatization in the state of Florida. Ninety-nine members of Florida's foster parent associations were surveyed with a special attention toward their stance on privatization policy and their views of the local private agencies that deliver services in the privatized system. Results identified no clear consensus on the topic of privatization policy. Policy support was more likely to be seen among foster parents who had not served prior to privatization and among foster parents who viewed the local private agency to be competent and responsive. Views of local private agencies were most strongly influenced by the foster parents' satisfaction with foster parent training, their involvement in case decision-making, and the kindness of the foster care worker. These results have implications for practice in the privatized foster care system and for research in the evaluation of these systems.

► Florida's foster parents were surveyed regarding foster care privatization.
► No clear consensus regarding privatization policy was identified in the sample.
► Policy support was related to foster parent experience and views of agencies.
► Views of foster care agencies were not extreme in either direction.
► Views of foster care agencies were related to certain facets of satisfaction.