SATISFACTION WITH FOSTER PARENTING - ASSESSMENT ONE-YEAR AFTER TRAINING

Retaining active foster parents has been a challenge, especially durin g their first year. The focus of this analysis was to ascertain whethe r demographic characteristics, preservice training, and prior experien ce with children and families predicted satisfaction with foster paren ting among licensed first-year foster parents one year after completio n of preservice training. Data were taken from a larger longitudinal s tudy (N=313) of potential foster parents in preservice training in a m idwestern state. This analysis was based on 48 foster mothers. An expl oratory factor analysis identified three factors that underlie satisfa ction with foster parenting: Role Demands Satisfaction, Social Service Support Satisfaction, and Personal Needs Satisfaction. Analysis of co variance revealed one factor, Role Demands Satisfaction, was predicted by the model; perception of preservice training as useful was the sig nificant explanatory variable. Foster mothers who rated preservice tra ining as useful also had greater satisfaction in the role demands as a foster parent. Demographic characteristics were not predictive. Satis faction with foster parenting is multidimensional and preservice train ing is a key component that supports the multifaceted role of the fost er mother. Implications for the quality of preservice training are dis cussed.