Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to explore the challenges that foster parents experience when a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is placed in their care. Given the intensive care and various support needs, the question is whether foster parents are equipped to care for these children. This is an exploratory study that also explores the current service delivery relationship between foster parents and social workers. This study posed two research questions, namely what the challenges are that foster parents of children with FAS face and what their experiences with social support are. The sample population for the qualitative case study was two foster parents with children with FAS. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The following themes were identified in the study: initiation as foster carers, motives for foster care, recruitment and training of foster care parents and services to foster parents. The findings of the study suggest that, in addition to financial support, foster parents express the need for emotional support, training on how to foster children with FAS as well as knowledge about the disability. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is onderneem om ondersoek in te stel na die uitdagings wat pleegouers ervaar wanneer ʼn kind met Fetale Alkohol Spektrum Versteuring (FASV) in hulle sorg geplaas word. Die vraag is of pleegouers opgewasse is om hierdie kinders te versorg, gegewe die intensiewe versorging en diverse ondersteuningsbehoeftes wat hulle benodig. Die verkennende studie ondersoek ook die huidige diensleweringverhouding tussen pleegouers en maatskaplike werkers. Die studie is gerig deur twee navorsingsvrae, naamlik watter uitdagings pleegouers met FAS kinders beleef en watter ervaringe pleegouers ten opsigte van maatskaplike ondersteuning beleef. Die steekproef populasie vir die kwalitatiewe gevallestudie was twee pleegouers van kinders met FAS. Data is deurmiddel van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude versamel. Die volgende temas is geïdentifiseer: aanvang van pleegsorg, die redes vir pleegsorg, werwing en opleiding van pleegouers en dienslewering aan pleegouers. Die bevindinge van die studie dui daarop dat behalwe finansiële ondersteuning pleegouers ook ʼn behoefte aan emosionele ondersteuning, opleiding oor hoe om kinders met FAS te vesorg en kundigheid oor die gestremdheid benodig.