Foster parent perceptions of placement success

In this study a random sample of 61 foster parents from a central Canadian province participated in a telephone interview that included the question: “What in your opinion is a successful foster placement?” A total of 71 unique responses were obtained and grouped together by foster parents. The grouping data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Six themes resulted: security for child, family connections, good relationships, positive family change, seamless agency involvement, and child grows. The results were generally consistent with the available literature. Differences between the literature and foster parents interviewed were discussed and implications made for foster care research.