The Concept of ‘Family’ Among Norwegian Adolescents in Long-Term Foster Care

Abstract

In Norway, about 8,000 children live in foster homes (about 3.300 in age group 13-17). What does 'family' mean to these children? We explored the views and feelings about 'family' among 22 adolescents who are living in long-term foster care. Three patterns emerged. Most of the participants expressed confidence and adjustment in the foster home placement and felt bonded to both their foster family and to their birth family. Other adolescents expressed a strong sense of membership to their birth family but not to their foster family, and the remaining adolescents described a weak bond to birth family but a strong bond to their foster family. The main implications of the three patterns are discussed in the light of policy and practice.

Revealing Children's Experiences and Emotions through Q Methodology

“…We will also give two examples of how this has been done: (i) from a study with five-year-old children [11] and (ii) from a study with adolescents aged 13-18 years [12]. We argue that Q methodology offers potential benefits in research with children.…”

“…In one study [11] the focus was on five-year-old children's experiences and emotions related to parental breakup. In another study [12], adolescents' (age 13-18) experiences related to family perceptions when living in foster care were explored. In both these studies, Q methodology was applied to reveal subjective emotions and views among the children.…”

Providing Foster Care for Adolescents: Barriers and Opportunities

“…Adolescents in foster care must navigate issues associated with involvement in the child welfare system while simultaneously managing the typical developmental and social challenges associated with this phase of life. The stability and nurturing foster families provide promotes resilience and supports healthy development, leading to enhanced outcomes for youth (Ellingsen, Shemmings, & Størksen, 2011;Harden, 2004). Research suggests that providing sensitivity, acceptance, cooperation, availability, and family membership allows adolescents the security and support they need to develop trust as they near adulthood (Schofield & Beek, 2009).…”

“…Youth who have supportive adults and ongoing social networks are more likely to have improved psychological and sociological outcomes (Collins et al, 2010;Munson & McMillen, 2009). Inclusion in decision-making has consistently been identified as important to strengthening social bonds and placements, as well as helping prepare adolescents for future relationships (Ellingsen et al, 2011;Hedin, Höjer, & Brunnberg, 2011;Olsson, Egelund, & Høst, 2012).…”

“…This could be related to having a stronger informal support network, more training or education, an ability to respond to the "emotional age" of the foster youth, or expected monitoring of activity outside of the house based on past experience (Farmer, Lipscombe, & Moyers, 2005). Foster placements with the opportunity for preparation and initial visits are less likely to disrupt (Ellingsen et al, 2011;, and active involvement of the adolescent in choosing a foster family has also been shown to increase success of the placement (Hedin et al, 2011;Olsson et al, 2012).…”