Family Foster Care: Motivation and Performance (An In-depth Analysis of the "Beijing Model")

Author: Wu Lüping, Han Xiaolei, Gao Xin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This book conducts a systematic theoretical exploration of a new model of raising orphaned and disabled children, known as the "family foster care" model, within the context of the transformation of China's social welfare system. Based on comprehensive hand (field survey data), it employs various qualitative and quantitative analytical methods, including typological analysis, contextual analysis, correspondence analysis, and Logistic regression analysis, to deeply examine the motivations of foster families, their experiences, social support systems, and adoption intentions. The effectiveness of family foster care is also evaluated. The research findings reveal that the participation of foster families in family foster care activities is a rational choice made under the condition of having "leisure time." They are "rational actors of love" or "loving rational actors." Family foster care largely embodies the "child-centered" concept of care for orphaned and disabled children, and the children in foster care receive good care, showing significant progress in physiological, psychological, and social development. From the perspectives of policy implementation, performance, and needs assessment, the policy is implemented well, with notable achievements that meet the needs of the state, foster families, and the children in foster care. However, there are also seven major issues that require high attention. Finally, nine countermeasures are proposed to address the aforementioned issues.