Fostering Together–The Why and How of Involving and Supporting Biological Children of Foster Carers

Abstract

This article discusses the outcomes of a research project undertaken in 2011/2013 by a team of researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in collaboration with Wanslea Family Services. The project aimed to address the relative lack of voice of biological children in the fostering task, despite the increasing acknowledgement of children's rights and their capability to be involved in decision-making processes. Data was collected through the use of focus groups and interviews with a small number of biological children, foster carers and service providers in Western Australia (WA). The data indicated the necessity to reconsider the rights of biological children in the fostering task and the need for specific strategies to address these rights. The findings of the study informed the development of a set of interactive resources for supporting biological children of foster carers during all stages of the fostering process in Australia. The resources also have potential value for use in overseas jurisdictions.

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

“…They want to be considered by social workers because they feel they can be useful to the foster child (Williams, a). However, relationships between foster siblings and foster‐care agencies and social workers are largely described as rare, occasional, or completely absent (Nordenfors, ; Serbinski & Shlonsky, ; Targowska, Cavazzi, & Lund, ; Williams, ).…”

Agency and its Constraints among Biological Children of Foster Carers

“…Wider fostering research confirms that the contributions of biological children are highly valued by foster parents and foster children (Jones, 2015), but rarely considered or acknowledged by foster care services (Targowska et al, 2015). Some biological children in our study were particularly frustrated by their inability to participate in, and influence, wider foster care policies and practices.…”

“…These studies yield largely consistent findings, noting the importance of biological children within fostering environments and highlighting the range of benefits and challenges they may encounter as a result of fostering (Hojer et al, 2013;Tadros, 2003;Targowska, Cavazzi, & Lund, 2015). Understanding the unique role and experiences of biological children has been central to research conducted to date.…”

“…Alongside uncovering the benefits and challenges of fostering, researchers also highlight the continued "invisibility" that biological children experience within the foster care environment (Targowska et al, 2015). Recent Australian research has identified a number of gaps at policy and practice levels in relation to acknowledgement and support of biological children (Targowska, Teather, & Cavazzi, 2013).…”

“…Recent Australian research has identified a number of gaps at policy and practice levels in relation to acknowledgement and support of biological children (Targowska, Teather, & Cavazzi, 2013). As a result, biological children currently receive limited formal supports that meet their needs (Targowska et al, 2015;Twigg & Swan, 2007;Watson & Jones, 2002). To address these concerns, researchers have suggested more inclusionary policies and practices that better recognise the roles of biological children, and targeted support to assist with changing family dynamics and the difficulties associated with fostering (Clare et al, 2006;Nuske, 2010;Watson & Jones, 2002).…”