2015 Foster Parent Survey: DSHS Foster Parents Speak

This report describes the results of the fourth annual DSHS Foster Parent Survey. Between September 2014 and August 2015, 1,358 foster parents were surveyed about their satisfaction with the support and training provided by Children’s Administration and private agencies. The majority of foster parents continue to express satisfaction with the support and training they receive, and with the social workers assigned to their cases. However, there were statistically significant declines from the previous year in positive responses concerning the overall quality of support, availability of help, and social workers listening to foster parent input. Some indicated that they would like better access to resources, faster and more flexible processes, greater inclusion in matters concerning foster children, and more complete and timely information about their foster children’s cases. Some foster parents also suggested a need for more convenient training locations and schedules, more interaction with experienced foster parents in training, more on-line training, and more choice about which trainings they take.