Foster Parents’ Views on the Content of an Adolescent Risk-Behaviour Management Programme

Parenting interventions are regarded as a vehicle through which child development and protection can be promoted. This article reports on a study that explored foster parents’ views on the content of an Adolescent Risk-Behaviour Management (ARBM) programme for foster parents. The 12 study participants were foster parents recruited from designated welfare organisations in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in North West, South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and a focus group guide was used to facilitate the discussion. Data collection continued until data saturation was reached. The findings showed that, regardless of whether their fostered adolescents present with risk behaviour, foster parents are more likely to embrace their role when they feel empowered, equipped and driven, and this is likely to enable them to respond effectively to stressors associated with parenting. This can position them to reflect, assess their behaviour, and increase their knowledge on how to respond effectively to their adolescents’ needs. It was also found that context, language and socioeconomic background should all be considered when training foster parents. These factors seem to be important in determining how foster parents take in, comprehend, and use the information.