Disabled people as foster carers – closing the recruitment gap and more
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12313618 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Peter Unwin (0000-0003-1985-1959, University of Worcester, corresponding author), Alexandra Jones (0000-0003-2929-4746, University of Worcester), Becki Meakin (0009-0006-6595-7921, Shaping Our Lives, Shaping Our Lives United Kingdom) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 2297-2315 |
| Publication date | 2024-10-12 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Disability & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0968-7599 • E-ISSN: 1360-0508 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/09687599.2024.2412274 |
| OpenAlex | W4403349360 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 10 |
Recent Ofsted statistics for fostering in England show a steady decline in the number of approved fostering households, whereas the number of children needing foster homes has increased. To address this disparity, the present study explored the views of Disabled and Non-disabled foster carers regarding inclusivity within the foster care recruitment system. A two-year project was led by the University of Worcester, in co-production with Shaping Our Lives and the Foster Care Co-operative, using mixed methods across four fostering agencies. Findings were that discriminatory practices, a lack of knowledge and flexibility in recruitment, and a lack of role models meant that Disabled people were generally not perceived as potential recruits. Examples of Disabled foster carers acting as effective foster carers were found, but these were very few and far between. Recommendations are that these discriminatory practices should be challenged at all levels and replaced with a culture of inclusion
Closing (real estate · Developmental psychology · Political science · Sociology · Child Welfare and Adoption · Family and Disability Support Research · Healthcare innovation and challenges · Medicine · Psychology · Gerontology
The social model of disability
Why employer inflexibility matters for the recruitment, retention and progression of disabled workers
Employers
A study on intersectional discrimination in employment against disabled women in the UK
Disability and Adoption
Foster carers and family contact
A Strengths Perspective for Social Work Practice
Using thematic analysis in psychology
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |