Example health and social care dissertation topic 3:

An investigation into the motivation of foster careers within Cumbria.

Noting that the number of foster parents coming forward nationally is declining, this dissertation focuses on a specific county within north-western England. Mindful of the plethora of ethical considerations that research of this type involves, this dissertation nevertheless seeks to interview professionals, parents and children to ascertain their varied perceptions as to why fewer families are coming forward to foster. In so doing, the methodology will need to demonstrate a sound grasp of ethical research practices. Using a Likert scale and quantitative data sampling techniques, this is a dissertation that combines theory, practice and social science statistical research models.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Kirton, D. (2001). ‘Love and money: Payment, motivation and the fostering task’. Child & Family Social Work, vol. 6(3), pp. 199-208.
• Neil, E., Beek, M. and Schofield, G. (2003). ‘Thinking about and managing contact in permanent placements: The differences and similarities between adoptive parents and foster carers’. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, vol. 8(3), pp. 401-418.
• Tyebjee, T. (2003). ‘Attitude, interest, and motivation for adoption and foster care’. Child Welfare, vol. 82(6), pp. 685.