Nurturing roots: Motivations of Inuit foster parents caring for Inuit children in Nunavik

This study examined why Inuit foster parents in Nunavik, Quebec choose to foster Inuit children and what keeps them in the role. Researchers interviewed 15 Inuit foster parents about their motivations and experiences. Foster parents were primarily motivated by keeping children within their families and preserving cultural identity. The study found that foster parents face significant challenges, including inadequate support from child protection services and managing children's trauma. The research emphasizes that Inuit foster parents are vital to maintaining cultural continuity and that improved, culturally sensitive support is needed to recruit and retain them.

Key points

• Inuit children are overrepresented in Canada's child protection system, with particular risks in Nunavik of placement outside their communities
• Key motivations for Inuit foster parents include keeping children within the family, preserving cultural identity, and respecting children's preferences
• Foster parents reported significant challenges including lack of support from child protection services and dealing with children's trauma
• The study centered on Inuit foster parents' own voices, filling a gap in research that previously focused on service providers or non-Indigenous foster families
• Culturally sensitive policies and enhanced support are needed to improve recruitment and retention of Inuit foster parents

Limitations

The study is based on interviews with only 15 foster parents from Nunavik and does not include quantitative outcome data on child well-being or long-term foster care stability. The research describes motivations and challenges but does not evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions or support programs.