Working together around the needs of children looked after: the views of care leavers, parents and professionals

Background: The relationship between foster carers and birth parents when experienced to be collaborative and supportive are linked to better outcomes for children looked after (CLA). However, this relationship is under researched, and a literature search could not find a review of this topic.

Method: A systematic literature search carried out in October 2023 on four databases: PsycINFO; ASSIA; Social Policy & Practice; and Web of Science yielded eleven qualitative
studies that met inclusion criteria after screening. The identified studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist (CASP, 2018) and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) (Hong et al., 2018) and key methodological concerns were discussed. The findings from the studies were synthesised using narrative analysis.

Results: Five central themes and eighteen sub-themes were identified and discussed. The findings showed that mutual respect and empathy were crucial for the positive development of this relationship. Additionally, the most collaborative relationships were reported as being open, with regular communication and information sharing between the two families to facilitate a sense of shared care and inclusivity.

Conclusions: Clinical and research implications were discussed including the need for better support from local authorities in enabling foster carers and birth parents to build positive relationships with each other. None of the included studies were based in the UK and further research is needed within this context.