Motives of aboriginal foster parents

Aboriginal children are overrepresented in care across Canada, and Aboriginal foster parents are underrepresented. To assist in development of targeted recruitment and retention efforts, Aboriginal foster parents were asked to respond to the question “what motivates you to foster”. The responses were analyzed using the Concept Mapping method. There were seven concepts including: help Aboriginal children, gives me purpose, use my parenting abilities, meet community need, care for the next generation, personal benefits, and keep families together. Similarities and differences between the participants' experiences and the motives identified in previous literature were discussed.

► Aboriginal children are overrepresented in foster care.
► Aboriginal foster parents are underrepresented.
► Motives for Aboriginal foster parents are different from non-Aboriginal foster parents.