‘Am I damaging my own family?’: Relational changes between foster carers and their birth children

Abstract

Foster placements are more likely to break down where the foster carers already have birth children. Studies that explore the impact of fostering on foster carers and their birth children have suggested that relational changes occur, but these changes have not been examined in depth. This study aimed to explore the impact of fostering on parent-child relationships within foster families. Nine foster carers (including three couples) were interviewed separately, and the data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Analysis indicated that birth children may attribute particular importance to their position in the family (e.g. oldest child, youngest child) and that this is a key element of the way in which they relate to their parents. Emotional security and parent-child relationships can therefore be strained by a foster placement not taking this into account. Foster children also introduce significant competition for parental resources, putting a strain on relationships. Foster carers seem to prioritise, consciously or not, the preservation of relationships within the biological family. Reflecting on relationships and making changes to maximise potential improvements in relationships can lead to positive outcomes, and this can have an impact on whether families continue fostering or not.

“We are caregivers, too”: Foster siblings' difficulties, strengths, and needs for support

“…Jealousy and rivalries may arise, and conflicts are more common if the birth child and the foster child are close in age (Twigg & Swan, ). Family routines change along with the roles of family members, the position that children occupy in the family system (Thompson et al, ), and the relationships between them, and some children say that they want their family back (Younes & Harp, ).…”

“…Consequently, foster parents need to identify “protected” time for their children (Højer et al, ; Williams, a). Peer support programmes and groups are another useful source of help (Roche & Noble‐Carr, ; Thompson et al, ; Twigg & Swan, ).…”

Literature review: Foster carer attraction, recruitment, support and retention

“…Theories of family boundary ambiguity and of the resultant family stress which can occur shed light on the lived experiences of carers in this hybrid situation (Thomson & McArthur, 2009). Thompson et al highlighted the importance of family systems theory in understanding the effects on the caring family of the introduction of a new person to the family (Thompson, McPherson, & Marsland, 2016).…”

Participation of Children, Birth Parents and Foster Carers in the Matching Decision. Paternalism or Partnership?

“…Birth parents experience a sense of loss from having diminished contact with their child and losing their parenting role (Schofield et al, ). For foster carers, the arrival of the foster child can be stressful and demanding (McKeough et al, ; Thompson et al, ). All three ‘parties’ are stakeholders in the foster care process.…”