Date of Conferral

9-11-2026

Date of Award

September 2026

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Thomas McLaughlin

Abstract

The foster care system faces a persistent challenge in retaining foster parents, resulting in adverse outcomes for foster children. The literature identifies multiple reasons for foster parent attrition (e.g., foster agency dissatisfaction, life changes, and lack of resources and support). This study explored former foster parents’ narratives of exiting foster care. I illuminated how foster care agencies treat foster parents who exit the system and how this affects their attitude about the foster care system. General systems theory (GST) was used to guide the analysis. The research design was basic qualitative, and purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit former foster parents. The study was conducted in the state of Missouri. Eligible participants were former foster parents who had been licensed for at least 6 months and had at least one foster placement in the last 10 years. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight participants. Data were analyzed using Dedoose software. Three themes and seven subthemes were identified. Participants reported that they did not receive exit interviews or follow-up contact from foster agencies and that they still wish to foster again. Recommendations include improving foster agency policies and audits for former foster parent exit interviews, follow-up care, and proactive retention and re-recruitment efforts. Retaining ambivalent foster parents who want to exit, and re-recruiting former foster parents, may provide opportunities for retention and re-engagement efforts.

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