A foster family raises in its own home a child born to other parents. The family may care for the child on a long-term basis, until the child reaches adulthood, or temporarily, until the child’s birth family is once again able to care for them.
A specialised foster family provides family-based care for children with specific and more extensive care needs, either on a short- or long-term basis. The specialised foster family service is intended for children who require individual attention and continuous, informed support.
Previous studies relating to this subject have briefly noted foster families’ need for respite from their childcare responsibilities. The aim of this project is to determine the need for a system that provides respite to foster families. To establish families’ expectations and needs in greater detail, foster families, family support workers and child protection workers will be involved in the study through focus group interviews.
The project was commissioned by the Social Insurance Board.