What are the Characteristics of Successful Foster Parents?

We often hear the question: "What makes a successful foster parent?" Sometimes it's from a nervous caller...inquiring about foster parenting for the first time. Other times it might be from a person in the community who has heard horror stories or read something in the newspaper. Often this question is followed up by further inquiries about a hypothetical foster parent's age, ethnicity, motivation, experience with children, and so on.

Here's what recent research says about this issue:

Children in foster care are more stable, and their placement is more successful when:

• Foster parents are able to show empathy to the child(ren) they are working with.
• Foster parents are accepting and don't assume the success of the placement is totally up to the child.
• Foster fathers are emotionally involved with the child.
• Foster parents state that they "like children."
• The agency makes a "good match" when placing a child in the home.
• Foster parents have a natural support system (at least three family members and/or friends) to help them.
• Foster parents provide a well-defined structure.
• Foster parents are emotionally grounded (stable).
• Foster parents provide stimulating activities for the child(ren).

Source: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/SSW/cascw/attributes/PDF/publications/Path_BremerReport.pdf