The Heterosexist History of the Foster Care System: Perceptions that Shape Foster and Adoptive Parenting in America
Poster Number
62
Session Title
Poster Session 2
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Social Work
Abstract
Throughout the history of the foster care system in America, individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced significant legal and social obstructions to fostering and adopting youth. Although the United States’ foster care system is crowded with youth in desperate need of homes on a national scale, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to experience difficulties in the process of becoming parents through fostering or adoption. Child welfare professionals who work alongside youth and their families are instrumental in determining the long-term well-being outcomes of each child and professionals’ perceptions can influence practice and permanency on behalf vulnerable youth. This study aims to assess the attitudes of child welfare professionals regarding fostering and adoption by individuals in the LBGTQIA+ community through in-depth, qualitative interviews. Data are analyzed for salient themes. Findings from this study have implications for permanency practice and the overall well-being of children, adolescents, and families with foster and adoption needs.
Start Date
15-4-2022 12:00 PM
The Heterosexist History of the Foster Care System: Perceptions that Shape Foster and Adoptive Parenting in America
Throughout the history of the foster care system in America, individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced significant legal and social obstructions to fostering and adopting youth. Although the United States’ foster care system is crowded with youth in desperate need of homes on a national scale, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to experience difficulties in the process of becoming parents through fostering or adoption. Child welfare professionals who work alongside youth and their families are instrumental in determining the long-term well-being outcomes of each child and professionals’ perceptions can influence practice and permanency on behalf vulnerable youth. This study aims to assess the attitudes of child welfare professionals regarding fostering and adoption by individuals in the LBGTQIA+ community through in-depth, qualitative interviews. Data are analyzed for salient themes. Findings from this study have implications for permanency practice and the overall well-being of children, adolescents, and families with foster and adoption needs.
