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ERIC Number: EJ740108
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 18
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0009-4021
EISSN: N/A
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Foster Parents: Strengths and Challenges for the Child Welfare System
Downs, A. Chris; James, Steven E.
Child Welfare, v85 n2 p281-298 Mar-Apr 2006
Historically, a shortage of skilled and dedicated foster parents has existed in America. Lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LBG) foster parents have received little attention in the published literature. This article documents the challenges and successes of a group of 60 LGB foster parents. All participants provided foster parenting for public (state or county) agencies. The primary successes of this group included meaningful and gratifying parenting and successful testing of whether adoption might be a natural next step after foster parenting. The primary challenges included insensitive, inappropriate, and difficult social workers; state or local laws that worked against successful foster parenting by LGB adults; failure to recognize parents' partners; and lack of support by the system to acknowledge the important role of LGB parents. Numerous recommendations are identified for improving how LGB foster parents are supported within child welfare systems including foster parent and social worker training in LGB issues. (Contains 3 tables.)
Child Welfare League of America. P.O. Box 932831, Atlanta, GA 31193-2831. Tel: 800-407-6273; Tel: 770-280-4164; e-mail: order@cwla.org; Web site: http://www.cwla.org/pubs.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A