Behavioral Observation and Analysis of Participants in Foster Care Visits

Abstract

Objective To identify situations and behaviors occurring during contact visits that are likely to have an impact on a foster child's well‐being. Background It has been argued that contact visits between foster children and birth parents can help to maintain attachment bonds and support the child's development. However, contact continues to be a subject of controversy, and evidence of both benefits and drawbacks has been reported in the literature. Few studies have examined what actually occurs during such visits, how parents and children interact, and what role is played by those involved. Method We conducted an in‐depth qualitative observational analysis of the behavior of participants in contact visits (birth parent, child, and social worker), as well as of the characteristics of the venue. Participants were 20 children in nonkinship foster care and their birth parents. Information regarding the characteristics of visits was provided by the child protection services and the fostering agencies involved. Results The analysis revealed a large number of positive behaviors among parents, children, and social workers, but also the need for improvement in several areas (e.g., family relationships, social/communication skills, and presents). Conclusions This study highlights the need to improve contact visits by developing intervention strategies targeting all those involved. Notably, the support and supervision provided by social workers was not always adequate. Implications The results of this study could be used to develop an instrument for assessing the quality of contact visits and identifying aspects that need to be improved.

What criteria do foster care workers take into account when recommending foster children's visiting arrangements with their birth parents

“…This corresponds with literature stating that child well-being should be leading when deciding visiting arrangements (Loughton, 2011;Smariga, 2007), because visits with birth parents should support children's needs and not undermine their development (Salas et al, 2021). Furthermore, criteria related to birth parents' attitudes are associated with consequences of visits for the child and well-being of the child (e.g., Bastiaensen & de Koning, 2015;Browne & Moloney, 2002;Salas et al, 2021;Sen & Broadhurst, 2011). Therefore, it is not surprising they are put in second place.…”

Programa de apoyo a la parentalidad positiva dirigido a familias biológicas y acogedoras durante el acogimiento familiar

“…En cuanto al apoyo informacional, las madres y las familias acogedoras que han completado el programa destacan la utilidad de los contenidos del programa para mejorar el funcionamiento y la dinámica familiar de las visitas, a través de la promoción de las habilidades de las madres para relacionarse e interactuar con su hijo; así como de las competencias emocionales y educativas de las familias acogedoras. Estos hallazgos apuntan a que la participación de ambas familias en el programa ha permitido responder a necesidades específicas respecto a las visitas y el acogimiento que familias biológicas, acogedoras y técnicos habían manifestado en investigaciones anteriores (Fuentes et al, 2019;García-Martín et al, 2019;Salas et al, 2021).…”

“…Los guiones de las entrevistas fueron elaborados basándose en la revisión documental de la literatura científica sobre la temática en la que se detectaron los elementos clave que había que indagar (Fuentes et al, 2019;García-Martín et al, 2019;Salas et al, 2021). En la construcción de estas, se tuvo en cuenta la estructura temporal de dichos contactos (encuentro, desarrollo y despedida).…”

Qualitative studies of the lived experiences of being in foster care: A scoping review protocol

“…Family foster care is prioritised as a better option for children’s well-being as opposed to residential care. 3 In the United States of America (USA), there were 407 493 young people in foster care in September 2020. 4 These young people are at risk of ongoing health concerns across their lifespan, 5 6 making this a global health concern.…”

“…Of these children and young people, approximately 17 000 were living in non-kinship foster care. Family foster care is prioritised as a better option for children’s well-being as opposed to residential care 3. In the United States of America (USA), there were 407 493 young people in foster care in September 2020 4.…”