Feeling the same or feeling different? An analysis of the experiences of young people in foster care

Abstract

Various conceptualisations of identity development emphasise the internal world of adolescents while others place more emphasis on the social world. Previous findings highlight the impact of stigmatisation and how this may hinder positive identity development in adolescents in foster care; the significance of peer interactions has also been underlined. Anecdotal evidence suggests that young people in care do not want to be made to feel different from others but there appears to be an absence of empirical research confirming this. Interviews were carried out with nine 12-16-year-olds currently residing in foster care to explore their representations of 'feeling the same or feeling different'. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) guided how data were analysed and super-ordinate themes were identified. This article reports on one of these themes: difference. This is explored through four subordinate themes that relate to participants not wanting others to know they were in care, feeling alienated due to their foster care status, perceiving that others viewed them differently and, at times, noticing differences themselves. The dynamic nature of these experiences is emphasised and the findings are considered in relation to the extant literature. Practice and research implications are discussed.

Service needs of young people affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): A systematic review of UK qualitative evidence

“…Across the 20 studies 17 authors’ conclusions focused specifically on the need for those who have been exposed to ACEs to have access to supportive, trusting relationships ( Barn, 2010 ; Chouliara et al, 2011 ; Collins & Barker, 2009 ; Driscoll, 2013 ; Fraser, McIntyre, & Manby, 2009 ; Gaskell, 2010 ; Grant, Repper, & Nolan, 2008 ; Griffiths, Norris, Stallard, & Matthews, 2012 ; Houmoller, Bernays, Wilson, & Rhodes, 2011 ; Jobe & Gorin, 2012 ; Luke & Coyne, 2008 ; Madigan, Quayle, & Cossa, 2013 ; Matthews & Sykes, 2012 ; McMurray, Connolly, Preston-Shoot, & Wigley, 2011 ; Montgomery, Pope, & Rogers, 2015 ; Munro, Lushey, & Ward, 2012 ; Winter, 2010 ). Supportive relationships with professionals were described as ‘the cornerstone’( Grant et al, 2008 ) of effective engagement and service delivery…”

“…The majority of studies (n = 13) noted the ability of formal services to provide support, either through foster carers ( Barn, 2010 ; Driscoll, 2013 ; Madigan et al, 2013 ; Matthews & Sykes, 2012 ) or a range of other types of professionals including social workers ( Fraser et al, 2009 ; Houmoller et al, 2011 ; Jobe & Gorin, 2012 ), project workers ( Grant et al, 2008 ), support workers ( Houmoller et al, 2011 ), outreach workers ( McMurray et al, 2011 ), leaving care personal advisers ( Munro et al, 2012 ), therapists ( Chouliara et al, 2011 ), healthcare professionals ( Griffiths et al, 2012 ; Montgomery et al, 2015 ), and teachers ( Driscoll, 2013 ; Fraser et al, 2009 ; Houmoller et al, 2011 ).…”

“…Four studies on foster care ( Barn, 2010 ; Gaskell, 2010 ; Luke & Coyne, 2008 ; Madigan et al, 2013 ) highlighted how a sense of authentic caring was key to supporting a young person’s self-identity. Foster carers were praised for welcoming young people “As part of the family, instilling in them a sense of belonging”’ ( Luke & Coyne, 2008 ).…”

“…A theme identified in seven studies was the need for support with handling practical responsibilities and problems ( Bee et al, 2013 ; Collins & Barker, 2009 ; Driscoll, 2013 ; Gaskell, 2010 ; Grant et al, 2008 ; Madigan et al, 2013 ; Montgomery et al, 2015 ).…”

Do Foster Parents and Care Workers Recognize the Needs of Youth in Family Foster Care with a History of Sexual Abuse?

“…This might relate to the difficulties youth can have to disclose their past, specifically related to child sexual abuse (Hepworth & McGowan, 2013;McElvaney, 2015). It could also relate to the normalcy youth want to experience, which might be especially prominent during contact with professionals (Madigan, Quayle, Cossar, & Paton, 2013). Care workers' training regarding the importance of attachment might have influenced their lack of recognition of the distant role some youth expect from their foster parents (e.g., Schofield & Beek, 2005).…”