| Abstract [eng] |
Self-help groups in foster-parenting are based on collaboration and sharing of common experience. Group members help each other in solving not only child related but personal problems as well; they can attain help from the group leaders, and learn from each other. The research revealed that family- fostered children tend to be more independent, they are able to form certain skills. However, some difficulties during period of adaptation remain, including barely manageable aggression, differing life experiences that shape changes in foster families, and different paths of socialization. Social workers and foster parents understand self-help groups as a possibility to solve similar problems, helping oneself and each other. Social workers believe that self-help groups can offer significant improvement in relationships, problem solving, and exchange of good practices. Foster parents believe that in self-help groups they can enhance their competencies, which in turn can improve their relationships with a child, help understanding his/her needs, and enrich their knowledge, helping feel a part of the team in a foster- parenting situation. |
