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Disabled people as foster carers – closing the recruitment gap and more.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Disabled people as foster carers – closing the recruitment gap and more.
Authors: Unwin, Peter1 p.unwin@worc.ac.uk, Jones, Alexandra1, Meakin, Becki2
Source: Disability & Society. Aug2025, Vol. 40 Issue 8, p2297-2315. 19p.
Subject Terms: *Diversity & inclusion policies, *Human services programs, *Interprofessional relations, *Foster home care, *Employee recruitment, *Research methodology, *Role models, *Discrimination (Sociology), *Caregiver attitudes, *People with disabilities, Research funding, Descriptive statistics, Professions
Geographic Terms: England
Abstract: Recent Ofsted statistics for fostering in England show a steady decline in the number of approved fostering households, whereas the number of children needing foster homes has increased. To address this disparity, the present study explored the views of Disabled and Non-disabled foster carers regarding inclusivity within the foster care recruitment system. A two-year project was led by the University of Worcester, in co-production with Shaping Our Lives and the Foster Care Co-operative, using mixed methods across four fostering agencies. Findings were that discriminatory practices, a lack of knowledge and flexibility in recruitment, and a lack of role models meant that Disabled people were generally not perceived as potential recruits. Examples of Disabled foster carers acting as effective foster carers were found, but these were very few and far between. Recommendations are that these discriminatory practices should be challenged at all levels and replaced with a culture of inclusion. Points of interest: Disabled people are largely excluded from having equal opportunity to become foster carers in England Discriminatory attitudes are held by professionals, combined with a lack of role models and recruitment systems that do not make reasonable adjustments for Disabled people Children and young people needing foster homes are deprived of greater choice The recruitment gap being experienced by all fostering agencies will continue if Disabled people are not embraced as foster carers Disabled people are denied opportunities to engage in caring roles that would present positive images of disability and enable them to enter the world of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:Recent Ofsted statistics for fostering in England show a steady decline in the number of approved fostering households, whereas the number of children needing foster homes has increased. To address this disparity, the present study explored the views of Disabled and Non-disabled foster carers regarding inclusivity within the foster care recruitment system. A two-year project was led by the University of Worcester, in co-production with Shaping Our Lives and the Foster Care Co-operative, using mixed methods across four fostering agencies. Findings were that discriminatory practices, a lack of knowledge and flexibility in recruitment, and a lack of role models meant that Disabled people were generally not perceived as potential recruits. Examples of Disabled foster carers acting as effective foster carers were found, but these were very few and far between. Recommendations are that these discriminatory practices should be challenged at all levels and replaced with a culture of inclusion. Points of interest: Disabled people are largely excluded from having equal opportunity to become foster carers in England Discriminatory attitudes are held by professionals, combined with a lack of role models and recruitment systems that do not make reasonable adjustments for Disabled people Children and young people needing foster homes are deprived of greater choice The recruitment gap being experienced by all fostering agencies will continue if Disabled people are not embraced as foster carers Disabled people are denied opportunities to engage in caring roles that would present positive images of disability and enable them to enter the world of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09687599
DOI:10.1080/09687599.2024.2412274