HANGING UP THEIR BOOTS A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FOSTER CARER’S PERSPECTIVE OF SERVICES By Caroline Coyle

HANGING UP THEIR HANGING UP THEIR BOOTSBOOTS

A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FOSTER A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FOSTER CARERCARER’’S S

PERSPECTIVE OF SERVICESPERSPECTIVE OF SERVICES

By Caroline CoyleBy Caroline Coyle

This study looks at the Foster CarerThis study looks at the Foster Carer’’s perspective s perspective

of the foster care serviceof the foster care service

It examined the foster carerIt examined the foster carer’’s perception of their role and s perception of their role and their participation in the context of the fostering partnership. their participation in the context of the fostering partnership.

It focused on the relationship between the foster carer and It focused on the relationship between the foster carer and the foster care services; specifically with the link social the foster care services; specifically with the link social worker who is allocated to support the foster carerworker who is allocated to support the foster carer

It investigated It investigated the foster carer’s experience of placement the foster carer’s experience of placement breakdowns and how the breakdown procedure was breakdowns and how the breakdown procedure was implemented. implemented.

It examined the foster carer’s viewpoint with regard to issues It examined the foster carer’s viewpoint with regard to issues such as recruitment, assessment, training, support and such as recruitment, assessment, training, support and retention.retention.

Research Research Qualitative research in the form of Qualitative research in the form of semi-structured interviews with 5 foster carers in semi-structured interviews with 5 foster carers in

the Longford Westmeath area.the Longford Westmeath area. The qualitative methodological approach used to The qualitative methodological approach used to

obtain and analyse research allows for obtain and analyse research allows for interviewees to discuss their views and interviewees to discuss their views and experiencesexperiences

IntervieweesInterviewees 1 long term carer 1 long term carer 2 relative carers 2 relative carers 1 day foster carer 1 day foster carer 1 carer who had experience of long term, relative 1 carer who had experience of long term, relative

and day fostering.and day fostering.

IntroductionIntroduction The number of children entering into care in Ireland has The number of children entering into care in Ireland has

doubled in the past eighteen years with foster care doubled in the past eighteen years with foster care procuring the mainstay of this cataclysmic increase.procuring the mainstay of this cataclysmic increase.

Current statistics show that out of the 5,474 children in the Current statistics show that out of the 5,474 children in the care of the Irish State, 3327 children are in foster care, care of the Irish State, 3327 children are in foster care, 1,530 children are in relative care, 426 children are in 1,530 children are in relative care, 426 children are in residential care and 191 children are in other care residential care and 191 children are in other care arrangements including secure care (HSE, 2008).arrangements including secure care (HSE, 2008).

Horgan 2002 notes that the primary reason for children Horgan 2002 notes that the primary reason for children coming into care in Ireland is ‘coming into care in Ireland is ‘Parents unable to copeParents unable to cope’ ’ followed by ‘followed by ‘neglect’ neglect’ and that around half of the admissions and that around half of the admissions are on a voluntary basis.are on a voluntary basis.

History of Fostering in IrelandHistory of Fostering in Ireland Traditionally fostering a child was a regular practice in Traditionally fostering a child was a regular practice in

Ireland up until the 17Ireland up until the 17thth Century. Under an indigenous system Century. Under an indigenous system of law dating from the Celtic times, and known as the Brehon of law dating from the Celtic times, and known as the Brehon Law, it was customary for families to ‘take in’ unwanted, Law, it was customary for families to ‘take in’ unwanted, abandoned or orphaned children.abandoned or orphaned children.

For 700 years this native system of law described as For 700 years this native system of law described as ‘the ‘the most sacred of the whole social systemmost sacred of the whole social system’ (Ginnel, 1894) ’ (Ginnel, 1894) created two types of fostering created two types of fostering altrum serce (fostering for altrum serce (fostering for affection) affection) and for which no renumeration was given. The and for which no renumeration was given. The other type of fostering provided a fee (Shannon, 2005)other type of fostering provided a fee (Shannon, 2005)

Anglicised Ireland meant that the Gaelic tradition of Anglicised Ireland meant that the Gaelic tradition of fosterage was lost at the end of the eighteenth century. fosterage was lost at the end of the eighteenth century. English law was administered throughout the country and English law was administered throughout the country and ‘The Brehon Law concept of family and tolerance of plurality ‘The Brehon Law concept of family and tolerance of plurality of ‘family ties’ were gone forever’ of ‘family ties’ were gone forever’ (Horgan, 2002).(Horgan, 2002).

Foster Care TodayFoster Care Today

In the early 1990s A number of demographic and economic In the early 1990s A number of demographic and economic changes took place in Ireland which have contributed to the changes took place in Ireland which have contributed to the dearth of available foster carers.dearth of available foster carers.

Ireland experienced a period of substantial economic growth. Ireland experienced a period of substantial economic growth. The increase in the demand for labour meant that more The increase in the demand for labour meant that more married women were working outside the home. Women were married women were working outside the home. Women were also marrying later and having children later in life.also marrying later and having children later in life.

These factors had a detrimental impact on the availability of These factors had a detrimental impact on the availability of foster families which have never fully recoveredfoster families which have never fully recovered

Foster Care in CrisisFoster Care in Crisis

Research (Working Group on Foster Care, 2001) has shown Research (Working Group on Foster Care, 2001) has shown that concerns have also been raised about the that concerns have also been raised about the infrastructure and policies around foster careinfrastructure and policies around foster care

Research in the UK has indicated that hundreds of families Research in the UK has indicated that hundreds of families are giving up fostering each year are giving up fostering each year

““because they felt undervalued and unsupported”because they felt undervalued and unsupported” (Bebbington and Miles, 1990)(Bebbington and Miles, 1990) Some researchers reflected that inadequate social worker Some researchers reflected that inadequate social worker

interventions may lessen the success rates of foster care interventions may lessen the success rates of foster care (Baxter, 1989, Palmer, 1990)(Baxter, 1989, Palmer, 1990)

Others have attributed it to social workers not responding Others have attributed it to social workers not responding in time to a crisisin time to a crisis

However, Urqhart (1989) found that foster carers who did However, Urqhart (1989) found that foster carers who did not feel that they were adequately supported in times of not feel that they were adequately supported in times of crisis are more likely to drop from the fostering programmecrisis are more likely to drop from the fostering programme

Foster Care in CrisisFoster Care in Crisis Triseliotis, Sellick and Short (1995) suggest that the Triseliotis, Sellick and Short (1995) suggest that the

complexity of the relationships and tasks involved in foster complexity of the relationships and tasks involved in foster care work are often compounded by the ambiguities that care work are often compounded by the ambiguities that surround them.surround them.

Therefore Fisher, Gibbs, Sinclair & Wilson (2000) conclude that Therefore Fisher, Gibbs, Sinclair & Wilson (2000) conclude that promoting good relationships between social workers and promoting good relationships between social workers and foster carers is an important element in any strategy that aims foster carers is an important element in any strategy that aims to retain good foster carers.to retain good foster carers.

Howe (1997) elaborates on Fisher et al’s study, outlining two Howe (1997) elaborates on Fisher et al’s study, outlining two areas for effective social work to succeed in ; personal areas for effective social work to succeed in ; personal relationships and the organisation of work.relationships and the organisation of work.

Recent studies by Dore and Alexander (1996) and Ruch (2005) Recent studies by Dore and Alexander (1996) and Ruch (2005) have shown how the competencies and qualities of social have shown how the competencies and qualities of social workers, both positive and negative, impact on the workers, both positive and negative, impact on the relationships that develop between them and the service user.relationships that develop between them and the service user.

Dale (2004) expounds that findings indicate that the quality of Dale (2004) expounds that findings indicate that the quality of the relationship and ‘the relationship and ‘helping alliance’helping alliance’ between worker and between worker and service user is a key determinant of outcomes.service user is a key determinant of outcomes.

PartnershipPartnership Worldwide there is a paucity of research from the Worldwide there is a paucity of research from the

perspective of the foster carer. Thoburn and Philpot (2004) perspective of the foster carer. Thoburn and Philpot (2004) have found that only recently has research begun reviewing have found that only recently has research begun reviewing changes in policy and practicechanges in policy and practice

Partnership is a relatively new phenomenon in the Republic Partnership is a relatively new phenomenon in the Republic of Ireland compared to its close neighbours.of Ireland compared to its close neighbours.

Policies extolling the value of partnership in child care were Policies extolling the value of partnership in child care were implemented in the UK following the Cleveland Report implemented in the UK following the Cleveland Report (1988). Thus, research studies in the UK were enabled to (1988). Thus, research studies in the UK were enabled to evaluate practice from both the professional and the evaluate practice from both the professional and the caregiver’s viewpoint.caregiver’s viewpoint.

Research has indicated that increased authority over Research has indicated that increased authority over decision making is indivisibly linked todecision making is indivisibly linked to

empowerment, empowerment, “Making it possible for people to exercise “Making it possible for people to exercise power and have more control over their lives” power and have more control over their lives” (Bereford (Bereford and Croft, 1993)and Croft, 1993)

PartnershipPartnership In Ireland, in the wake of the Kilkenny Incest In Ireland, in the wake of the Kilkenny Incest

Inquiry (1993), a partnership approach was Inquiry (1993), a partnership approach was emphasised (Children First 1999 and The Report emphasised (Children First 1999 and The Report of the Working Group on Foster Care 2001)of the Working Group on Foster Care 2001)

However, the philosophy of inclusiveness is However, the philosophy of inclusiveness is taking longer to integrate into the Irish psyche. taking longer to integrate into the Irish psyche. Recent research by Buckley(2006) indicates that Recent research by Buckley(2006) indicates that more effort is still required to encourage more effort is still required to encourage involvement.involvement.

The Role of the Foster CarerThe Role of the Foster Carer Universally, it is recognised that the needs of the children in Universally, it is recognised that the needs of the children in

alternative care are often demanding and complex (Dept of alternative care are often demanding and complex (Dept of Health and Children, 2001)Health and Children, 2001)

Foster carers play a unique role. By providing a life chance Foster carers play a unique role. By providing a life chance for children who may have come from extreme adverse for children who may have come from extreme adverse circumstances, they improve their foster child’s self esteem circumstances, they improve their foster child’s self esteem and self worthand self worth

Gilligan (2000) concludes that it is the relationship between Gilligan (2000) concludes that it is the relationship between the child and a key adult which creates conditions in which the child and a key adult which creates conditions in which the foster child’s emotional, social, cognitive and somatic the foster child’s emotional, social, cognitive and somatic behaviours are cultivated, encouraged, nurtured and behaviours are cultivated, encouraged, nurtured and developed.developed.

However, Shannon (2005) advises that for many children in However, Shannon (2005) advises that for many children in long term care, returning to their natural family is an long term care, returning to their natural family is an unattainable goalunattainable goal

The Role of the Foster CarerThe Role of the Foster Carer Consequently, Irish foster carers find themselves fostering Consequently, Irish foster carers find themselves fostering

children who may have emotional and behavioural children who may have emotional and behavioural problems, for longer lengths of time than their counterpartsproblems, for longer lengths of time than their counterparts

Sellick (2006) study indicate that families who foster Sellick (2006) study indicate that families who foster children with emotional or challenging behaviour in long children with emotional or challenging behaviour in long term care are strained to their limits and hence risk term care are strained to their limits and hence risk placement breakdown.placement breakdown.

Sellick and Thoburn (1997) argue that support to foster Sellick and Thoburn (1997) argue that support to foster carers is crucial, explaining that it maximises the foster carers is crucial, explaining that it maximises the foster carer’s retention, minimises the cost to the foster care carer’s retention, minimises the cost to the foster care services and prevents the breakdown of placementsservices and prevents the breakdown of placements

Placement BreakdownsPlacement Breakdowns Breakdown may occur in a number of ways. A proposal may Breakdown may occur in a number of ways. A proposal may

be made to reunite the child with his or her biological be made to reunite the child with his or her biological family; the foster carers themselves may request for a child family; the foster carers themselves may request for a child in their care to be removed, the foster care may abscond in their care to be removed, the foster care may abscond and refuse to return to foster care, alternatively the H.S.E and refuse to return to foster care, alternatively the H.S.E may decide that the child’s continued placement with the may decide that the child’s continued placement with the particular foster carers may not be conducive to his or her particular foster carers may not be conducive to his or her welfare. welfare.

Before a child leaves foster care, mutual participation Before a child leaves foster care, mutual participation between the link worker, the natural parents, the foster between the link worker, the natural parents, the foster child and the foster carers should occur.child and the foster carers should occur.

If a child’s move is unplanned it can have damaging effects If a child’s move is unplanned it can have damaging effects to both child and foster carer.to both child and foster carer.

Shannon (2005) observes that Shannon (2005) observes that “When moves are “When moves are unavoidable they should be always being planned to unavoidable they should be always being planned to cushion the damaging impact on the child involved. In cushion the damaging impact on the child involved. In particular, a precipitous removal is to be avoided”particular, a precipitous removal is to be avoided”

Placement BreakdownsPlacement Breakdowns International research has focused on the International research has focused on the

implications of breakdowns and how it impacts on implications of breakdowns and how it impacts on the foster childthe foster child

Biehal, Clayden, Stein and Wade (1995) and Biehal, Clayden, Stein and Wade (1995) and Vinnerljung, Oman, and Gustavsson, (2004) Vinnerljung, Oman, and Gustavsson, (2004) conclude that placement breakdown increases conclude that placement breakdown increases the risk of poor educational outcomes for the risk of poor educational outcomes for teenagers.teenagers.

Browne (1998) research from Ireland found that Browne (1998) research from Ireland found that placement breakdown leads to young people placement breakdown leads to young people living by themselves much earlier in life.living by themselves much earlier in life.

Berridge and Cleaver (1987), Wade, Biehal, Berridge and Cleaver (1987), Wade, Biehal, Clayton and Stein (1998) have shown that Clayton and Stein (1998) have shown that breakdown can have a demoralising effect on breakdown can have a demoralising effect on foster carers and social workers.foster carers and social workers.

Findings from the StudyFindings from the Study Foster carers appear to view their role as one of support and Foster carers appear to view their role as one of support and

encouragementencouragement The long term carer’s role was viewed as one of high The long term carer’s role was viewed as one of high

commitment commitment

Relative carers felt bound by necessity and love to their foster Relative carers felt bound by necessity and love to their foster children. They were also long term carers and had the children. They were also long term carers and had the additional challenge of trepidation for the foster child’s parentsadditional challenge of trepidation for the foster child’s parents

In contrast, the day foster carer viewed her role as not being as In contrast, the day foster carer viewed her role as not being as enmeshed because the child returns home to their natural enmeshed because the child returns home to their natural parents.parents.

Findings from the StudyFindings from the Study

4 out of the 5 foster carers felt that 4 out of the 5 foster carers felt that the biggest challenge they face is the the biggest challenge they face is the constant battle to procure the constant battle to procure the services needed for their foster services needed for their foster children. children.

The overall theme was the feeling of lack of The overall theme was the feeling of lack of formal support. All five foster carers felt they were formal support. All five foster carers felt they were not formally supported in their role. Foster carers not formally supported in their role. Foster carers felt frustration, anger, not listened to, not believed felt frustration, anger, not listened to, not believed

and that they had no voice.and that they had no voice.

The foster carerThe foster carer’’s support system s support system (laughs)(laughs)……I donI don’’t think it exists reallyt think it exists really

(Male Relative Carer)(Male Relative Carer)


Communications via the foster care Communications via the foster care services were dictatorial rather than services were dictatorial rather than participatory participatory

All five foster carers felt that they played a non All five foster carers felt that they played a non

participatory role in the fostering partnership.participatory role in the fostering partnership. ““Fostering is like limbo, you know, you Fostering is like limbo, you know, you

dondon’’t know whether yout know whether you’’re here or there re here or there but take every day as it comesbut take every day as it comes……But when But when it comes to a decision to be made about it comes to a decision to be made about the child, you are a number, you are out, the child, you are a number, you are out, and you are your number of your house and you are your number of your house that is it that is it (…)(…) you just do what social you just do what social workers tell you and thatworkers tell you and that’’s it.”s it.”

(Female Carer who has experience of long (Female Carer who has experience of long term, relative and day fostering)term, relative and day fostering)


TThe overall consensus on participation was he overall consensus on participation was one of exclusion.one of exclusion.

All five foster carers felt excluded from the foster All five foster carers felt excluded from the foster

care service decision making process and were of care service decision making process and were of the opinion that decisions were made covertly by the opinion that decisions were made covertly by

the foster care service.the foster care service. ““I think it seems to be I think it seems to be [( )] [( )]

something that bumbles along something that bumbles along behind closed doors most of the behind closed doors most of the time, very difficult to access, very time, very difficult to access, very difficult to get them out into the difficult to get them out into the open.” open.”



Foster carers expressed that they Foster carers expressed that they were living in fear that the foster were living in fear that the foster child may be taken from them. child may be taken from them.

Four out of the five foster carers live in Four out of the five foster carers live in fear that the foster child may be taken fear that the foster child may be taken

precipitously.precipitously. ““If I donIf I don’’t meet the social workers, my link t meet the social workers, my link

social worker and be nice….. Isocial worker and be nice….. I’’m afraid m afraid then in one way that theythen in one way that they’’ll take Joshua. ll take Joshua. And if they take Joshua, he does nAnd if they take Joshua, he does n’’t know t know any other family at the moment any other family at the moment (…)(…) and and this is why I try my best to keep in with this is why I try my best to keep in with the social workers and be nice to them the social workers and be nice to them and smile to them” and smile to them”

(Female Long term Foster Carer)(Female Long term Foster Carer)

Findings from the StudyFindings from the Study There was a theme of power imbalance in the There was a theme of power imbalance in the

relationship between the foster carer and the link relationship between the foster carer and the link social workersocial worker

Foster carers live in fear that the foster child may be Foster carers live in fear that the foster child may be removed. As a result they feel intimidated and removed. As a result they feel intimidated and powerless in the partnership, afraid to give their view powerless in the partnership, afraid to give their view to their link workerto their link worker

Foster carers also expressed confusion about the role Foster carers also expressed confusion about the role and autonomy of the link worker and autonomy of the link worker

4 out of the 5 foster carers felt that the link worker 4 out of the 5 foster carers felt that the link worker could not be an independent advocate for the foster could not be an independent advocate for the foster carerscarers

Four of the foster carers expressed Four of the foster carers expressed a power imbalance in their a power imbalance in their

relationship with the link worker.relationship with the link worker. “ “Really and truly and thatReally and truly and that’’s what … is,s what … is,

a bully. And you have to be so careful in a bully. And you have to be so careful in what you say because they twist what you say because they twist everything that you say. And if you say everything that you say. And if you say something, they would put a different something, they would put a different meaning on itmeaning on it……And that has happened on And that has happened on numerous occasions” numerous occasions”


Foster carers expressed the most important Foster carers expressed the most important worker qualities which social workers should have, worker qualities which social workers should have,

as being honest, respectful and communicative as being honest, respectful and communicative

and to work in partnership and to work in partnership ““One is respect for the foster parents, because One is respect for the foster parents, because

we are dealing with it 24/7. I would love to be we are dealing with it 24/7. I would love to be able to talk to on a one to one, not talk to a book able to talk to on a one to one, not talk to a book and not talk about rules and regulations. I know and not talk about rules and regulations. I know everybody has rules, buteverybody has rules, but…… we need to be in we need to be in communication more communication more ……what goes on behind what goes on behind closed doors, we need to be involved a hell of a closed doors, we need to be involved a hell of a lot more, a hell of a lot more.”lot more, a hell of a lot more.”

(Female Carer who has experience of long term, (Female Carer who has experience of long term, relative and day fostering)relative and day fostering)

Findings from the StudyFindings from the Study The findings were extremely disconcertingThe findings were extremely disconcerting 100% of the interviewees had placement breakdowns 100% of the interviewees had placement breakdowns 80% had precipitous moves. 80% had precipitous moves.

Results found that the implementation of placement Results found that the implementation of placement breakdown was executed poorly. Foster carers were not breakdown was executed poorly. Foster carers were not given a opportunity to make representation. No counselling given a opportunity to make representation. No counselling services were made available to any of the 5 foster carers services were made available to any of the 5 foster carers

Foster carers also felt huge concern about the damaging Foster carers also felt huge concern about the damaging impact of placement breakdown on their foster child impact of placement breakdown on their foster child

““the decision was made that the young fellow the decision was made that the young fellow was moving. Obviously ……… came with the was moving. Obviously ……… came with the intention that day of moving that child but had nintention that day of moving that child but had n’’t t the manners to say it to us properly. And the next the manners to say it to us properly. And the next thing he was moved. Now the sad thing about thing he was moved. Now the sad thing about that was he went to complete strangers. The little that was he went to complete strangers. The little boy in question would have learning difficultiesboy in question would have learning difficulties……so how would you expect him to process all that. so how would you expect him to process all that. It was very difficult for us to process it. “It was very difficult for us to process it. “


Foster carers expressed the view that mutual Foster carers expressed the view that mutual participation between the link worker, the foster participation between the link worker, the foster child and foster carers should occur before the child and foster carers should occur before the

child leaves the foster home child leaves the foster home ““You just donYou just don’’t walk in and take the childt walk in and take the child……

like no matter what, it does nlike no matter what, it does n’’t happen, t happen, this is why, I say that everything goes on this is why, I say that everything goes on behind closed doors, cos it will be dealt behind closed doors, cos it will be dealt with for them thatwith for them that’’s taking the child, you s taking the child, you will be just told to pack a bag, straight will be just told to pack a bag, straight away, as quick as the child can be taken.” away, as quick as the child can be taken.”

(Female Carer who has experience of long (Female Carer who has experience of long

term, relative and day fostering)term, relative and day fostering)


From the foster carerFrom the foster carer’’s experience, s experience, placement breakdown was likened to placement breakdown was likened to bereavement.bereavement.

““ItIt’’s like a death in the family. Thats like a death in the family. That’’s the s the only way to describe it. Youonly way to describe it. You’’re lost; you re lost; you dondon’’t know whatt know what’’s happened. Like you s happened. Like you know, you have someone living in the know, you have someone living in the house with you. 24/7 you look after them house with you. 24/7 you look after them and then there gone. Itand then there gone. It’’s the same as a s the same as a death in the family and it takes the same death in the family and it takes the same time to get over it.”time to get over it.”


All of the foster carers felt the assessment process All of the foster carers felt the assessment process was too lengthy, too invasive and did not prepare was too lengthy, too invasive and did not prepare

them for their role. Foster carers felt the whole them for their role. Foster carers felt the whole process needs to be revamped in a less archaic process needs to be revamped in a less archaic

and more humane way.and more humane way. Damn it, there has to be a more Damn it, there has to be a more

humane way to go through eighteen humane way to go through eighteen months of months of ……questioning, of cross questioning, of cross questioning, of torture Iquestioning, of torture I’’ll call it. ll call it.



All the Foster carers stated that they All the Foster carers stated that they would not recommend fosteringwould not recommend fostering

All four foster carers except the day foster carer All four foster carers except the day foster carer said that they would not recommend fostering to said that they would not recommend fostering to

anyone anyone

““GodGod……I definitely would not recommend anyone to I definitely would not recommend anyone to foster. Anyone who has queried from me about foster. Anyone who has queried from me about fostering, because they see wefostering, because they see we’’re happy and the re happy and the kids happy and they think itkids happy and they think it’’s all a bed of roses. s all a bed of roses. But I am honest with people and I tell them its one But I am honest with people and I tell them its one of the most hardest and frustrating and of the most hardest and frustrating and [( )][( )]……ungrateful service that you will ever provide ungrateful service that you will ever provide because you are just treated like dirt. I swore and I because you are just treated like dirt. I swore and I made a solemn promise to myself and my husband made a solemn promise to myself and my husband is of the same mind that we would never, ever is of the same mind that we would never, ever foster again.”foster again.”


Four out of the five foster carer’s stated Four out of the five foster carer’s stated that they would never foster againthat they would never foster again

This was an unexpected result as it was This was an unexpected result as it was not a topic on the interview guide. not a topic on the interview guide. However it became the pinnacle However it became the pinnacle consequence of the study.consequence of the study.

I believe that the lack of formal support, I believe that the lack of formal support, especially in times of crisis such as especially in times of crisis such as placement breakdown, expedites the placement breakdown, expedites the foster carer’s decision to stop fostering.foster carer’s decision to stop fostering.

Foster carers expressed that they themselves are the strength of the Foster carers expressed that they themselves are the strength of the foster care services. To enable the foster care services to survive, foster care services. To enable the foster care services to survive,

foster carers feels that it needs to be completely revamped and that foster carers feels that it needs to be completely revamped and that they need to be more involved. Foster carers feel that they need to they need to be more involved. Foster carers feel that they need to

have a legitimate voicehave a legitimate voice “ “Foster parents need to have a voice, they need Foster parents need to have a voice, they need

to be heard. You know weto be heard. You know we’’re the ones that are re the ones that are with those children, 24 hours a day…And I feel with those children, 24 hours a day…And I feel that we need to be heard, not to be afraid to that we need to be heard, not to be afraid to speak up. Because there are times that I would speak up. Because there are times that I would love to go public, but I feel like after speaking to love to go public, but I feel like after speaking to other foster carers, we are constantly living in other foster carers, we are constantly living in fear, that the child can be taken from you and fear, that the child can be taken from you and which they can. At the stroke of a pen, they can which they can. At the stroke of a pen, they can just take that child away from you and it seems to just take that child away from you and it seems to be out of spite that the child is not considered be out of spite that the child is not considered you know.” you know.”

(Female Relative Carer)(Female Relative Carer)

Recommendations from the StudyRecommendations from the Study

As the 100% placement breakdown elicited controversial As the 100% placement breakdown elicited controversial findings, it is imperative that a national study into the high findings, it is imperative that a national study into the high percentage and impact must be conductedpercentage and impact must be conducted

Promoting an effective partnership between link workers, Promoting an effective partnership between link workers, social workers, foster carers and the foster child is social workers, foster carers and the foster child is therefore an important element in any strategy that aims to therefore an important element in any strategy that aims to retain good foster carersretain good foster carers..

Formal support is a vital resource in assisting the foster Formal support is a vital resource in assisting the foster carer to perform their demanding role. carer to perform their demanding role.

Services needed for the foster child should be a priorityServices needed for the foster child should be a priority

Foster carers wish to be treated with respect and Foster carers wish to be treated with respect and as partners in a process of caring for children.as partners in a process of caring for children.

They are after all, the person who meets the They are after all, the person who meets the needs of the foster child, improves their life needs of the foster child, improves their life chances and promote their best possible chances and promote their best possible outcomes.outcomes.

Thank you for listeningThank you for listening

Documents

HANGING UP THEIR BOOTS A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FOSTER CARER’S PERSPECTIVE OF SERVICES By Caroline Coyle