Ongoing Research Projects
The Foster Care Research Center of Centro Studi Affido conducts research aimed at strengthening foster care systems, improving professional practices, and informing child welfare policies.
Our ongoing projects combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, involving social work professionals, public institutions, academic researchers, and community organizations.
Current research activities focus on three interconnected areas: the regional development of foster care, the organizational standards of foster care services, and public perceptions of family-based care.
1. Regional Foster Care Research Programme
Strengthening Foster Care Systems Across Italian Regions
Centro Studi Affido is conducting three interconnected qualitative studies in Calabria, Puglia, and Basilicata, in collaboration with the respective Regional Councils of the Order of Social Workers (CROAS) and local partners.
The studies share a common methodological framework aimed at understanding the current development of foster care, identifying organizational and institutional challenges, and developing evidence-informed recommendations for strengthening regional foster care systems.
1. Analysis and Strategies for Strengthening Foster Care in Calabria
Status: Ongoing — 2026
Research partners: CROAS Calabria, Centro Studi Affido, Centro Comunitario Agape.
Scientific coordination: Marco Giordano.
This qualitative study investigates the current state of foster care in Calabria, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for development.
The research involves key stakeholders, including social service managers, foster care professionals, juvenile justice representatives, public authorities, and foster family associations.
Through semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, and collaborative discussion, the study aims to identify practical strategies for improving foster care services and strengthening regional cooperation.
The expected outcome is a regional research report containing findings and operational recommendations for policymakers, professionals, and child welfare organizations.
2. Analysis and Strategies for Strengthening Foster Care in Puglia
Status: Ongoing
Research partners: CROAS Puglia and Centro Studi Affido.
This qualitative research project explores the development of foster care in Puglia, focusing on the organization of local services, institutional cooperation, and opportunities for strengthening family-based care.
Building on a shared methodological framework with the parallel regional studies, the research seeks to identify existing resources, structural challenges, and promising practices.
The project aims to contribute to regional policy development and to identify practical recommendations for improving foster care provision and collaboration among public services and community organizations.
3. Analysis and Strategies for Strengthening Foster Care in Basilicata
Status: Ongoing
Research partners: CROAS Basilicata and Centro Studi Affido.
This study examines the current development of foster care in Basilicata, investigating the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders involved in child protection and family support.
Using a qualitative research approach shared with the studies conducted in Calabria and Puglia, the project explores organizational challenges, territorial resources, and opportunities for strengthening foster care.
Its objective is to support the development of context-sensitive strategies for improving the regional foster care system and promoting a stronger culture of family solidarity.
2. Other Ongoing Research Projects
4. Public Perceptions and Social Representations of Foster Care
Status: Advanced research stage
Research team: Alessandra D’Anna, Marco Giordano, Davide Fabiano, Noemi Fiorentino.
This qualitative study explores public awareness, attitudes, and social representations of foster care in Italy.
Based on 88 interviews and an analytical approach informed by Grounded Theory, the research investigates how people understand foster care, perceive birth and foster families, evaluate the role of social services, and express their willingness to become foster carers.
The findings highlight misconceptions surrounding the temporary nature of foster care, idealized representations of parenting, and the importance of institutional support in encouraging family participation.
The study aims to inform public awareness initiatives, foster family recruitment strategies, and communication practices in child welfare services.
5. Towards Essential Organisational Standards for Foster Care Centres in Italy
Status: Research in finalisation
Research team: Gianvincenzo Nicodemo, Marco Giordano, Davide Fabiano.
This national research project investigates the organisational requirements and essential operational standards of public foster care centres in Italy.
Drawing on a survey of 869 social work professionals across the country, the study examines professional staffing, workload, service provision, interinstitutional cooperation, territorial networking, and the financial resources required to ensure effective foster care services.
The research also develops preliminary organisational and economic estimates, informed by professional perspectives and the Italian National Guidelines on Foster Care.
Its objective is to contribute to the definition of evidence-informed organisational parameters and to support policymakers and service managers in strengthening foster care provision across Italian territories.