The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System data from 2002 to 2010 shows a steady downward trend in the number of children who are in foster care. This data fails to represent the problem of recidivism and placement instability. This literature review provides an overview of the impact of recruitment materials, training, remuneration and support offered to potential foster families. More than half of new foster parents discontinue within a year. To effectively recruit, there must also be an effort to retain.