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The science of attracting foster carers
Randle, Melanie Miller, Leonie Dolnicar, Sara Ciarrochi, Joseph
Randle, Melanie
Miller, Leonie
Dolnicar, Sara
Ciarrochi, Joseph
Abstract
Across the world the number of children needing a foster home is increasing; however, the number of individuals willing to foster a child is decreasing. It is therefore critical to gain insight into the barriers preventing people from fostering a child. Using data from a 2009 survey of 756 Australians, combinations of barriers are investigated by conducting a posteriori segmentation analysis within the market of potential foster carers. Four segments are identified and profiled to determined significant differences in terms of psychological and socio-demographic characteristics. Findings, including the fact that almost one-third of respondents indicated that they had not considered foster caring before because no one had ever asked them to, have practical implications. Improved marketing strategies tailored to the characteristics of each segment are required to harvest the full potential of individuals willing to foster a child and thus contribute to solving one of the most difficult social challenges facing developed nations.
Keywords
attraction, foster care, marketing, recruitment, segmentation
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Child and Family Social Work
Book
Volume
19
Issue
1
Page Range
65-75
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled