Start: 2022
End: 2024
Main Researcher: Bramanti Donatella
Researchers: Iafrate Raffaella, Lopez Giulia, Nanetti Sara, Scisci Anna
Keyword 1: Foster Families
Keyword 2: Family Impact Analysis - FamILens
Keyword 3: Fragile Families
Collaborations (Institutions or other Universities): Associazione Cometa
Goals
The project aims to understand what is the uniqueness and the generative and social value that distinguish Cometa's approach in caring for minors and their families, with the goal of endorsing this model among the existing ones. Specifically, this research-action seeks to identify the distinctive aspects of Cometa's actions for minors and vulnerable families. Key sociological and psychological questions are analyzed to assess factors that may enhance or hinder the relational quality of the foster care model and its generative outcomes. The comparison of different foster care models in Italy and Europe allowed to shed light on Cometa's unique characteristics.
Methods
Quali-quantitative research approach. Regarding the "past", a total of about ten qualitative interviews have been carried out with as many young people who are no longer using Cometa’s services in order to grasp their perspectives and views, particularly focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the program and its generative outcomes on their current lives. Quantitative data were also collected to review the activities carried out by the association over the years (structured summary sheet outlining the main structural indicators related to the minors supported by Cometa).
Regarding the "present", efforts were made to reconstruct the foster care process of the minors through:
- Periodic collection of a digital diary completed by foster parents, documenting their relationship with the minor, the minor’s relationship with their family of origin, and the minor’s social interactions while in foster care.
- Administration of the projective graphic tool "Doppia Luna" to about thirty minors, to investigate family boundaries and affiliations.
- Analysis of the shared culture (inside and outside Cometa) regarding the value and significance of Cometa’s intervention, through the formation of a group of key stakeholders working based on the principles of the FamILens® and its community extension (the FamILens.COM).
- Qualitative narrative interviews with at least five biological families (when possible) benefiting from Cometa’s services or interventions.
Regarding the "future", a structured data collection sheet was proposed to enable self-assessment of foster care programs based on the key variables identified in the research, including the FamILens®.COM Scale.
Results
Data collection is ongoing.