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Public Perceptions, Beliefs and Experiences of Fostering and Adoption: A National Qualitative Study in South Africa
Author(s) -
Rochat Tamsen J,
Mokomane Zitha,
Mitchell Joanie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
children and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1099-0860
pISSN - 0951-0605
DOI - 10.1111/chso.12122
Subject(s) - subsidy , qualitative research , perception , public relations , quality (philosophy) , economic growth , political science , psychology , sociology , economics , social science , neuroscience , law , philosophy , epistemology
In South Africa, rates of adoption remain low while the number of fostered children continually rises. Little is known about the public perceptions, beliefs and experiences that inform decisions to either foster or adopt in South Africa. This qualitative research explored these issues among a national sample of childless adults, biological parents, kin and non‐kin fostering parents and prospective and successful adopters. Fostering is driven predominantly by access to subsidies but is also informed by socio‐cultural beliefs. Low adoption rates are influenced by an absence of subsidies, poor access to quality adoptive services and a lack of information about adoption.