The Experience of Living with a Foster Sibling, as Described by the Birth Children of Foster Carers: A Thematic Analysis of the Literature

Abstract

The relationship between foster children and carers' own offspring has been investigated in many studies within foster care. However, while general patterns and outcomes have been established, the explanations underlying this relationship are more likely to be found in the common themes of smaller studies based on psychological theories published in academic and professional journals. This review by Hayley Thompson and Susan McPherson examines 14 published articles describing 12 different research studies, all exploring the experience of living with foster siblings, as described by the birth children of foster carers. These 12 studies include primarily qualitative evidence, although four also use forced choice and open response questionnaires. Taken together, the studies reviewed reflect the experiences of 1,102 children, aged between three and 32 years. They discuss the positive gains of fostering, the experience of loss, the conflict experienced, the transitions made and ways in which children manage the foster sibling relationship. These findings are discussed in relation to psychological theories, and proposals for future research and clinical practice are outlined. Conclusions are also drawn about the contribution of small-scale studies published in journals in disseminating research findings about fostered children.

‘They needed the attention more than I did’: How do the birth children of foster carers experience the relationship with their parents?

“…But this experience is not universal. For example, Thompson and McPherson (2011) found both positive and negative relationship changes, with some children reporting a loss of family closeness and others noting closer relationships. Secure attachment to parents may enable children to develop coping strategies to allow another child to 'share' their parents.…”

‘Am I damaging my own family?’: Relational changes between foster carers and their birth children

“…In particular, birth children reported tension in the family, a loss of family closeness, time and attention and distance between family members, all as a result of fostering. Some birth children believed, however, that family relationships felt closer during fostering (Thompson & McPherson, 2011).…”

“…A number of studies have examined the experience of fostering as described by the birth children of foster carers. In a systematic review of these studies, Thompson and McPherson (2011) highlighted a number of relationship changes between birth children and their parents. In particular, birth children reported tension in the family, a loss of family closeness, time and attention and distance between family members, all as a result of fostering.…”

Filial Therapy as a Core Intervention with Children in Foster Care

“…This is of great importance in foster families as research consistently shows that placements are at an increased risk of breakdown where the carers' biological children are living in the family home. This results from a number of factors, including: the loss of parental attention as a result of the child in foster care being in the family; difficulties in relationships with the child in care; the pressure to be responsible and a role model; and the resulting tensions within the household (Thompson and McPherson, ). FT can help ameliorate these difficulties by encouraging all children to take part in FT sessions with their parents, including adolescents who have ‘special times’ that are adapted to their developmental stage.…”