North Carolina's Initiative to Enhance Foster Care Recruitment and Retention
Social work researchers share expertise to improve foster care
The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Image: The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
In 2025, the North Carolina Collaboratory initiated the Foster Care Parent Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program, addressing systemic challenges in foster care. Researchers from the UNC School of Social Work emphasize the importance of local data and peer support for effective recruitment and retention of foster families.
- 01The Foster Care Parent Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program was launched with significant funding from the North Carolina Collaboratory in 2025.
- 02Researchers Dean Duncan and Nancy Hagan are focusing on systemic issues affecting foster care in Jackson County and statewide.
- 03Challenges include a growing youth population, workforce shortages, and the impact of COVID-19 on foster care capacity.
- 04Effective recruitment and retention of foster families rely heavily on peer support and immediate access to social workers.
- 05A significant drop-off in foster placements occurs after the first experience, highlighting the need for better initial support.
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The North Carolina Collaboratory has committed to improving the foster care system through the Foster Care Parent Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program, initiated in 2025. Researchers Dean Duncan and Nancy Hagan from the UNC School of Social Work are addressing systemic issues in Jackson County and beyond. They highlight that the state faces challenges such as a growing youth population, workforce shortages, and the lingering effects of COVID-19, which have strained foster care capacity. The researchers stress the importance of utilizing local data to inform practices and the need for a supportive environment for foster families. They note that many foster families are motivated by a desire to positively impact children's lives, but retention is a significant issue, particularly after the first placement. To combat this, they advocate for enhanced peer support and immediate access to social workers, which can help foster families navigate challenges and improve overall retention rates.
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The initiative aims to improve foster care systems in North Carolina, directly affecting the recruitment and retention of foster families.
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