Stakeholder perspectives on psychiatric foster homes: Residents, families, caregivers, and professionals

Eight focus groups were conducted with the stakeholders involved in psychiatric foster homes: people with psychiatric disabilities, families, caregivers, and professionals. Four content dimensions emerged as important. 1) foster home environment, 2) caregiver characteristics, 3) community integration, and 4) stakeholder relationships. Findings revealed different perspectives among stakeholders. Caregivers and professionals differed in their views on rehabilitation. Families wanted stricter controls within homes; residents appreciated more autonomy. While residents and caregivers focussed on integration within the foster home, professionals criticized the lack of community integration. These findings demonstrate the need to examine the perspectives of multiple stakeholders in order to present a complete view of psychiatric foster homes.