Date of Conferral
2019
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Yvonne Chase
Abstract
Maltreated children are at risk for placement disruption, mental health and substance issues, delinquent behaviors, and poverty issues. When children in foster care experience these risks, they decrease the likelihood of leaving foster care successfully. Resiliency is a critical component in increasing positive outcomes for foster children despite these risk factors. The purpose of this action research was to understand the role foster care workers have in developing resiliency in foster children. The theory of attachment and resiliency provided the conceptual framework for the study. Two focus groups were used to collect data from 5 foster care social workers in southern Louisiana. Data were analyzed using thematic coding. Findings from the study showed 6 key themes: adapting and coping, safety needs, protective factors, behavior issues, preparing placement, and resources. The implications of these findings for social change include providing support for the importance of resiliency in the foster care system and increasing positive foster care experiences that lead to positive outcomes for those transitioning out of foster care.
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Linda Ann, "Foster Care Workers' Roles in Developing Resiliency in Foster Children" (2019). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 7403.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7403
