Motivation for the Admission of Orphans of Employable Categories in the Context of Various Forms of Family Structure

The results of a study examining the motivations behind the admission of children without parental care (N=7,150 potential and actual substitute parents) from challenging categories—such as siblings, adolescents, children with disabilities, and those with high individual needs—into various forms of family arrangements (adoption, foster care, and guardianship) are presented. This research employs a resource-based approach, which views motivation as a resource for fulfilling personal and family needs. The findings indicate that the majority of informants are reluctant to accept children from these challenging categories, primarily due to associated difficulties (such as character traits, learning issues, and health problems) and fears (including concerns about heredity, developmental disorders, and doubts regarding their own competence). Adoptive parents tend to exhibit a higher level of sufficient resource motivation, while guardians and foster parents are often more focused on addressing family crises and financial challenges. The most motivated candidates are typically from intact families, where both spouses formalize their commitment to parenthood. Training in the Supportive Parenting Resource (SPR) program enhances parents' sufficient resource motivation while simultaneously reducing insufficient motivation, although it may increase levels of fears and concerns. After completing the program, candidates are more likely to transition to paid forms of guardianship.

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