Abstract
This exploratory study examined the thoughts and feelings of both foster parents and biological parents about the idea of direct contact with each other. Biological parents and foster parents were asked eleven probing questions to better understand how they felt about being involved in direct contact. Biological parents and foster parents agreed that direct contact between them would be beneficial for reunification and also for the welfare of the children. Some biological parents and foster parents seemed hesitant to recommend direct contact without being completely aware of all risk factors. All of the participants of this study had ideas on how to make direct contact a more desirable and likely option. Foster parents and biological parents agreed that direct contact is an alternative that is worth pursuing. One compelling example of the benefits of direct contact involved two women who have developed a life-long foster parent-biological parent bond.