Date Approved
2011
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Social Work
First Advisor
Tana Bridge
Abstract
Every year, thousands of children wait in the Michigan foster care system for a permanent family. Families that express interest in foster care or adoption encounter a complicated and complex child welfare system. In the end, the majority of families that express interest do no progress to fostering or adopting (Katz, Wilson & Green, 2005). There are potential barriers at every step of the process that can impact a family's progress towards providing a home and a family for a waiting child (McRoy, 2007). This study seeks to answer the question: Once interest has been expressed, what are the reasons behind a family's decision to continue, or discontinue the foster care licensing or adoption home study process? One hundred and thrity-nine Michigan families who expressed an interest in foster care or adoption in 2009 completed on online questionnaire. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used to examine the results.
Recommended Citation
Berger, Nancy Hocking, "The foster care and adoption process through the eyes of prospective parents" (2011). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 261.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/261