The sociological research on the readiness of women of reproductive age for foster care

This research is concerned with the readiness of Russian women of reproductive age for foster care. The authors examine the available statistical data and reach the conclusion that, in the context of favorable legal, economic, and social conditions, patronage among other forms of family organization of children is insignificant. They try to understand this contradiction by analyzing the subjective attitudes of women between the ages of 18 and 49 who could potentially become foster caregivers. The results of the research have made it possible to identify factors that influence women’s readiness for foster care. These include: awareness of the specifics of the patronage, the standard of living of the family, the employment status of the woman, the state of an official marriage, the presence of blood children, the support of the social environment, the quality of family leisure. Based on the results obtained, the authors make recommendations to relevant authorities and social organizations that conduct social work with families and children. The authors refer to informing the population about the characteristics of foster care, aimed at eliminating negative stereotypes about orphans and children left without parental care, who are registered in the data bank, as the main measure to increase the effectiveness of foster care.