Foster parents of cocaine-exposed infants

The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of foster parents of cocaine-exposed infants. A qualitative approach was selected because of the paucity of knowledge on the topic. Results showed foster parents observed alterations in physiological and behavioral health, developmental problems, and variability among infants related to these problems. Foster parents were concerned about the future development of infants. They felt the experience of living with a cocaine-exposed infant gave them a unique view of the effects of exposure. Parents found difficulties obtaining social services. Foster parents reported problems with access to and appropriateness of health care and identified difficulties arising from community reaction to foster parenting. Recommendations focused on the need for more research on social, developmental, and behavioral effects of cocaine exposure and increased attention to the needs and concerns of foster parents.