Research Areas
The Foster Care Research Center of Centro Studi Affido conducts interdisciplinary research on foster care, child protection, and family support systems. Its scientific activities focus on five interconnected research areas, combining empirical investigation, policy analysis, and the development of evidence-informed practices.
1. Foster Care Systems and Social Policies
Research on the development, governance, and effectiveness of foster care systems at local, regional, and national levels. This area explores territorial differences, institutional frameworks, welfare policies, and strategies for strengthening family-based care.
2. Organisation and Quality of Foster Care Services
Research on the organisational models, professional resources, operational standards, and quality of foster care services. Particular attention is given to multidisciplinary collaboration, service integration, territorial networks, and the definition of essential organisational requirements.
3. Foster Family Recruitment, Preparation and Support
Research on the motivations, experiences, and needs of foster families, including recruitment strategies, training programmes, and professional support. This area examines factors influencing families’ willingness to foster and strategies for sustaining successful fostering relationships.
4. Child Protection and Birth Family Relationships
Research on child protection interventions, the experiences of birth families, and relationships between parents and welfare services. This area investigates family separation, professional practices, parental participation, and approaches to supporting children and families experiencing vulnerability.
5. Public Perceptions, Family Solidarity and Community Engagement
Research on public awareness, social representations, and cultural attitudes towards foster care. This area explores how communities understand family-based care, the barriers to fostering, and the role of communication, social networks, and community participation in promoting family solidarity.
6. Care Leavers and Transitions to Adulthood
This area focuses on young people transitioning from alternative care to independent adulthood. Research explores educational and employment pathways, social inclusion, autonomy, and access to formal and informal support systems. Particular attention is given to the relationships between individual resources, social networks, welfare services, and public policies in shaping care leavers’ opportunities and outcomes.