Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Victoria Landu-Adams

Abstract

Federal legislation with the Family First Prevention Service Act (FFPSA) of 2017 required Tennessee to increase foster parent retention strategies. Tennessee does not have enough available foster homes for adolescents. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore foster parent retention in Tennessee and to inform policymakers on how to adapt policy to increase the retention. The theoretical foundation for this study was based on the policy feedback theory, to identify the policy scope in Tennessee, and the two-factor theory, to guide the data analysis in the context of employee satisfaction and retention measures. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit 10 participants that met the criteria of having two years of relevant experience successfully fostering adolescents. Original data were collected from semistructured interviews, field notes, and a review of Tennessee policy literature. Data triangulation techniques were employed and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated 7 themes: (a) foster parent retention is impacted by foster parent compassion; (b) the ability to seek relevant training and helpful resources; (c) the ability to employ parenting tips that create success; (d) being an emotionally invested foster parent; (e) having a meaningful foster parent to foster child relationship; (f) policy that makes provision for prompt and updated resources; and (g) access to relevant training and instruction. Implications for positive social change include informing policymakers of the importance of aligning Tennessee policy with the FFSPA to improve foster parent retention and improve the health of at-risk youth in Tennessee.

Download

Share

 
COinS