Emotional needs of <scp>A</scp>boriginal foster parents

Brown, Jason; Ivanova, Viktoria; Mehta, Nisha; Skrodzki, Donna; Rodgers, Julie

doi:10.1111/ijsw.12097

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 53 publications

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“…Evidence further suggests that when combined with individual psychological strengths, supportive persons are associated with continued motivation to foster and sustain the role (Ciarrochi, et al, 2012; Geiger, Hayes and Lietz, 2013). The demands of fostering can significantly impact life satisfaction and are often ‘part and parcel’ of the role, for example, managing ongoing challenging child behaviours (Brown, et al., 2015; Cooley, Farineau and Mullis, 2015; Landry-Meyer, Gerard and Guzell, 2005). Foster carers’ perception of these issues and their capacity to continue is shown to be associated with the quality of systems support available, including informal supports (Cooley, Farineau and Mullis, 2015; Denby, et al., 2015).…”

Section: Resilience and Foster Carersmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Without the support of my family, I couldn’t do the job’: Foster carers’ perspectives on informal supports in the role

Butler

McGinnis

2021

Adoption & Fostering

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Fostering agencies face increasing challenges recruiting and retaining foster carers while the number of children requiring foster placements continues to rise annually. This Northern Ireland study used qualitative methods with 11 foster carers to understand: if they had any expectation of support from family and friends in the role; and where this was available, whether it promoted their resilience in continuing as foster carers. Most foster carers in the study reported experiencing positive input from family, with a few exceptions. Carers’ adult children were considered particularly helpful, with some becoming advocates for fostering. While a number of the carers experienced good support from friends, a clear understanding of the fostering role at critical times, including during the carers’ life stages, was key to the experience of support from both family or friends. All participating foster carers were female. Implications for practice include examining opportunities for developing and facilitating the support potential of adult children, extended family and friends. These could include focused information and tailored training, together with creative user-led approaches for organisations to harness this under-utilised yet fundamental support.

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Section: Resilience and Foster Carersmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘Without the support of my family, I couldn’t do the job’: Foster carers’ perspectives on informal supports in the role

Butler

McGinnis

2021

Adoption & Fostering

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Inclusive foster care: How foster parents support cultural and relational connections for Indigenous children

Oliver

2020

Child & Family Social Work

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How do foster parents support the relational and cultural connections of Indigenous children in care? The answer matters; the well‐being of Indigenous children depends on these connections. At one of Canada's largest Indigenous child welfare agencies, we implemented inclusive foster care, an approach requiring foster parents to engage with the family, community, and cultural life of the child for whom they care. Fifteen years later, we present findings from a thematic analysis of interviews with 13 foster parents who participated in a mixed methods study exploring inclusive foster care. We discuss foster parent strategies to support the child's family relationships: setting clear boundaries, rolling with inconsistency, and understanding the family's (hi)stories. Strategies to strengthen cultural connectedness include visiting traditional territory, using personal initiative and Indigenous knowledge, and engaging in school‐based and “multi‐purpose” cultural opportunities. Drawing on foster parent stories of success, we propose ways for social workers, foster parents, and policymakers to address the cultural and relational disruption that characterizes the experience of Indigenous children in care in colonial settler societies.

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Emotional needs of Aboriginal foster parents

Cited by 2 publications

References 53 publications

‘Without the support of my family, I couldn’t do the job’: Foster carers’ perspectives on informal supports in the role

‘Without the support of my family, I couldn’t do the job’: Foster carers’ perspectives on informal supports in the role

Inclusive foster care: How foster parents support cultural and relational connections for Indigenous children

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