The Use of Online Social Support by Foster Families.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Finn, Jerry, ; Kerman, Ben
- Source
- Journal of Family Social Work; 2004, Vol. 8 Issue 4, p67-85, 19p
- Subject
- Foster parents
Child welfare
Parent-child relationships
Social support
Online information services
- Language
- ISSN
- 10522158
The extent to which foster families utilize social support on the Internet is examined in a sample of 34 foster families in a digital divide intervention program and a comparison sample of 30 foster families who were not part of the program. In spite of increased Internet access, the frequency of using online social support is low. A minority of parents and children increased their use of the Internet to give and receive help, communicate with other foster families and e-mail with their foster care worker. More than half of foster youth have used the Internet to stay in touch with friends and relatives and have "made a new friend" over the Internet. Implications for child welfare practice and for further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]