Nurturing roots: Motivations of Inuit foster parents caring for Inuit children in Nunavik

Background

Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child protection system in Canada, particularly in Nunavik, Quebec, where Inuit children face significant risks of being placed outside their communities. Previous studies have often centered on service providers or the perspectives of non-Indigenous foster families, neglecting the voices of Inuit foster parents themselves.

Objective

This study explored the motivations and experiences of Inuit foster parents in Nunavik for becoming and remaining foster parents, as well as factors that could lead to a cessation of care provision.

Participants and methods

Fifteen Inuit foster parents (12 women, 3 men) from various communities in Nunavik participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Key motivations for fostering included keeping children within the family, preserving cultural identity, and respecting the child's preferences. Foster parents reported significant challenges, including a lack of support from child protection services and dealing with trauma.

Conclusions

The study highlights the critical role of Inuit foster parents in maintaining cultural continuity for Inuit children and underscores the need for supportive policies and practices that recognize their motivations and values. Enhanced support and culturally sensitive approaches are essential to improve the recruitment and retention of Inuit foster parents.