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Over the past two decades, Family Foster Care (FFC) has increased across Europe as part of child protection deinstitutionalization policies. However, in Portugal, only 5.7% of the 6349 children in out-of-home care are in FFC, representing one of the lowest rates in Europe. Given this context, the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based practice model is crucial. In response, the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care (MIAF®) was developed based on the Design-Based Research process. This study aimed to analyze the initial implementation of the MIAF® Pre-service Training and Foster Family Applicant Assessment, focusing on strengths, barriers to implementation, and areas for improvement from the perspectives of professionals involved in the initial implementation phase. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 professionals who participated in the initial implementation; interviews were video and audio-recorded following participants’ consent. Sociodemographic data were collected through an online questionnaire. Thematic analysis indicated that FFC professionals perceived the model as well-structured, flexible, and objective. Its tools and processes were seen as supporting decision-making in selecting the most suitable families to ensure high-quality FFC placement. However, organizational and systemic barriers (e.g., workload, role overlap, legislative time constraints) and model-level challenges (e.g., usability of assessment tools) emerged. Professionals suggested refinements to the model (e.g., increasing foster family testimonies, streamlining the report form). This qualitative study highlights MIAF® as a significant step toward evidence-based FFC practice in Portugal, while emphasizing the need for further model adjustments and broader investment to overcome systemic barriers and support its scale-up. • A design-based model was developed to strengthen foster family training and assessment in Portugal. • Professionals viewed the model as well-structured, flexible, and supportive of consistent decision-making. • Organizational and systemic barriers, such as workload and role overlap, hindered implementation within the legal timeline. • Model-level challenges included the usability and interpretation of assessment tools and the structure of the report form. • Further refinements and organizational support are needed to scale and sustain the model.
Published in: Child Protection and Practice
Volume 8, pp. 100290-100290