Beyond everyday care:exploring the experience of foster carers in holding the stories and relationships of the children in their care

Section A
Section A presents a systematic review of the research exploring the relationship between children’s birth parents and foster carers. Fifteen studies were identified and synthesised using thematic analysis. The review highlighted power differentials between birth parents and foster carers and emphasised the importance of carers holding attitudes of compassion and understanding rather than judgement and hostility. It outlined actions which can promote positive relationships from both carers and professionals. The results are discussed in the context of existing literature and implications for clinical practice and further research are
outlined.

Section B
Section B presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of foster carer’s experience in relating to and holding the stories of the children in their care. Ten foster carers were interviewed. Three super-ordinate themes were identified relating to the carer’s experience of processing their child’s story, holding the wider relationships surrounding children, and managing the complex dynamic between the personal role of care within the professional system. The results are discussed in the context of existing literature and recommendations for clinical practice and future research are made.