Foster care in the pandemic. Perception of those involved in the process of foster caring

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to present foster care (family and institutional) during the pandemic in the perception of those involved. The basis are the preliminary, partial re­sults of the author’s research conducted from October to November 2020 during the reintroduction of restrictions resulting from the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: How are the changes in foster care in the pandem­ic perceived by those directly or indirectly involved in its implementation and how do they assess them? A method of analysis of the literature on the subject was used, and in an empirical study a diagnostic survey.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The achievement of the goal is presented in the process of argumentation, which consists of: introduction to the issue, methodology of author’s research and presentation of selected results of author’s research showing the functioning of foster care in a pandemic in the perception of different groups involved.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis presented shows selected aspects of foster caring in a pan­demic and sets out further directions of research. It is necessary to continue the empirical research presented, and to pay attention to the systemic approach to the phenomenon and the search for solutions that will improve social understanding, implementation and assistance of those involved in the implementation of tasks.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The majority, i.e. 70%, of the interviewed people involved in foster care perceived changes in its implementation during the pan­demic. Respondents from different groups noticed different changes. Their assessment was more often negative than positive. Many difficult tasks and situations were pointed out. Nevertheless, successes in their implementation were perceived.