Press Release 11/2/2023: Kate’s First Published Academic Article

This past week I was honored to have my first academic article: An Analysis of Communication for Foster Parents: Interpersonal, Small Group, and Public Speaking Skills Necessary for Foster Parenting published in the Communications and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal (CTAMJ). Many of you who follow my blog know that I am both a science and communications enthusiast. My main goal with this blog is to put my communication skills to use by describing current scientific topics. However, I continue to apply my communication skills in other ways; this publication is one of them.

For the past year, I have been researching and writing a paper that details vital communication skills for foster parents. While this is not my normal scientific topic, it is another one of my key interests. I originally wrote this article to complete my Communication Studies Certificate at Ridgewater College. The article discusses interpersonal, small group, and public speaking communication skills that foster parents regularly use. Growing up in a home that took in foster children, I observed firsthand how communication functions in the world of foster care. I submitted this article to CTAMJ (Communications and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal) for publication upon completing my certificate.

I want to give a special thank you to my capstone professor Dr. Bradley Wolfe who mentored me through the writing and publication process.

AbstractCommunication is a core aspect of what foster parents do every day. However, communication research focusing on foster parents is limited. Foster parents should understand interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public speaking. Understanding the basic principles of these communication disciplines will help foster parents succeed in their role. Interpersonal communication creates relationships between the foster parent and child through inclusion, control, and affection. Small group communication aspects of group roles, meeting facilitation, and conflict management are used in interactions with caseworkers. The public speaking skills of preparation and practice are used during court proceedings, orientations, and support groups. Providing foster parents with these communicative skills is crucial for successful placement outcomes.

Abstract from An Analysis of Communication for Foster Parents: Interpersonal, Small Group, and Public Speaking Skills Necessary for Foster Parenting

If you are interested in reading my article you can find its DOI here: doi.org/10.56816/2471-0032.1157

Recommended Citation

Randall, K. (2023). An Analysis of Communication for Foster Parents: Interpersonal, Small Group, and Public Speaking Skills Necessary for Foster Parenting. Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal, 46(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.56816/2471-0032.1157

If you would like to read other articles in the journal you can find the entire archive of CTAMJ volumes here: https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/ctamj/

Happy reading!

-Kate

Professional Communications Major

St. Cloud State University

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