Family foster care in Portugal and Spain:Comparative research on the satisfaction of foster carers

This study provides a comparison of satisfaction of the carers with foster care in Portugal and Spain, aiming to improve implementation and development of this social response. The foster care processes depend on historical and cultural factors that have significant differences in various international contexts. Although comparative studies enable the sharing of experiences and the transfer of good practices, often we find barriers to conduct such studies due to limited access to data about protection practices of children. The sample includes 52 foster families in Portugal and 46 in Spain, who were interviewed to know their experiences with regard to satisfaction with: the information received before the host; the preparation of the child for the foster care; the technical and financial support; and the evolution of the foster care process. The carers, in both countries, show a high degree of satisfaction with the foster care process. However, in Portugal, there is greater concern for the poor financial support, information not provided by the foster care services or poor preparation of the child for childcare. Finally suggestions for improving the management and implementation of this social response are presented