'Value profiling' can help attract more foster carers, report says

A survey of the values and motivations of 2,700 foster families, using a “psychographic profiling” model called Values Modes, identified three types of foster carer: 73 per cent were “pioneers”, 22 per cent “prospectors” and five per cent “settlers”.

Pioneers are characterised by a need to help others and do the right thing; prospectors like to achieve success and gain the recognition of others; while settlers are more traditional and base their lives around the family and home.

A report on the survey findings by the Fostering Network says recognising these personal characteristics can help improve fostering recruitment and retention campaigns run by councils by tailoring support to the different personality types. For example, it says those with pioneer values like to be communicated with directly and be involved in decision making.

It also says that recognising the different motivations for fostering could widen the pool of potential foster carers a campaign reaches. For example, those with prospector values might make good role models for teenagers.

James Foyle, recruitment and retention consultant at the Fostering Network, said focusing on values cuts across demographics, and can help fostering services meet children’s diverse needs.