Parental sense of competence in kinship and non kinship foster care in Chile: A study of associated factors and predictive variables

Abstract

In recent years, the study related to the restitution of rights of children who have experienced complex situations of previous adversity and with protective measures in foster families has presented significant progress. In this context, foster care is aimed at promoting the restorative processes of children, in which the role of foster caregivers, together with the support of professionals, plays a central role. In this regard, a recent and little researched area of interest refers to the sense of parental competence of the foster caregivers due to its link with the quality of the care process provided. The main objective of this study is to analyze the sense of parental competence and its relationship with dimensions of family functioning and psychological adjustment of children in foster care. The sample consisted of 53 kinship and non-kinship foster care from 4 regions in Chile. The characteristics of foster care, family functioning and psychological adjustment of the foster child were explored. Regression analysis identified predictors of parental sense of competence and perceived role satisfaction and effectiveness among foster parents. The regression data identified parental stress, satisfaction with foster care and the child’s development in foster care as the main determinants of the foster caregivers’ sense of competence. This work contributes to international research on the subject and deepens the areas of intervention to promote professional support and the rights of children in foster care.