Diogo, EliseteBranco, Francisco2025-12-122025-12-122017-12Diogo,E.; Branco, Francisco (2017). Being a Foster Family in Portugal—Motivations and Experiences. Societies 2017, 7, 37; doi:10.3390/soc7040037http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/60340: Foster care is an almost absent component in the child care system and scientific research conducted in Portugal foster comprises 3.2%1 of out-of-home care in Portugal. This research aims to contribute to a deeper visibility of the care phenomena, giving specific attention to the foster families themselves. This research adopted a qualitative analytical approach, inspired by Grounded Theory. Foster families’ motivation is rooted in altruism, affection for children, and sensitivity to maltreatment. Personal and professional biography or past contact with out-of-home care can also induce predisposition to become a carer. The experience of being a carer2 is one of traversing through a life of many challenges and rewards. Considering the recognition from the stakeholders, it is a rewarding task. The quality of the service provided and the performance of the care professionals are both key elements to foster care.engchild welfarefoster familiessocial workpolicy makingPortugalresearch article2025-12-12cv-prod-12001110.3390/soc70400372-s2.0-85069849257efe0cd3a-a8d2-42cf-90be-f70285035a9f000419182300010WOS:000419182300010