Understanding Social Support in Reunification: The Views of Foster Children, Birth Families and Social Workers

Abstract

Research suggests that the social support received from fathers and mothers is a key factor in the reunification process, particularly on a foster child's return home. However, little is known regarding the nature of this support, its sources and the aspects on which such support should be focused. The aim of this study is to describe the social support that families require at the time of a child's return to successfully re-establish the family positive dynamics, functioning and routines. This research is based on information gathered in Spain from a focus group and in interviews of 63 professionals, 42 parents and 30 children. The method is qualitative, and the ATLAS.ti program is used for content analysis. The qualitative data enable a better understanding of the views of the individuals involved. The results indicate the relevance of the support provided by the protection system and the social services. The results also reveal the insufficiency of the informal support network. These findings suggest implications for social workers when focusing post-reunification support on specific needs linked to parental skills, personal difficulties of the parents and the stability of the family context.

‘They didn't tell me anything; they just sent me home’: children's participation in the return home

“…; Balsells et al . ). Family members, especially parents, are also parts of informal support networks.…”

“…The study also points to the need to promote informal support networks comprising figures such as friends in protection services and family members. Children have indicated that they can depend on other children who have gone through this process (support among peers), and the presence of someone who has gone through the process and can understand, offer help and answer questions appears to be beneficial (Mitchell et al 2010;Balsells et al 2016). Family members, especially parents, are also parts of informal support networks.…”

El apoyo social durante el acogimiento: su relevancia para el bienestar de los niños y las niñas en situación de protección

“…Estos hallazgos se encuentran en sintonía con múltiples investigaciones tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, donde los niños y niñas también ponen de manifiesto su descontento por no ser tenidos en cuenta en las decisiones relevantes en su proceso de acogida, así como por no considerarse suficientemente informados (Balsells et al, 2017;Balsells et al, 2016;Fuentes-Peláez, Balsells, Fernández, Vaquero y Amorós, 2016;Goodyer, 2014;Jiménez et al, 2010;Mateos et al, 2017;Mcleod, 2007;Mitchell et al, 2010;Montserrat, 2014;Murphy y Jenkinson, 2012;Nybell, 2013). Al respecto, Murphy y Jenkinson (2012) recomiendan que la información que se ofrezca a los niños y las niñas sea totalmente veraz, completa y sobre todo asequible, es decir, explicada en un lenguaje simple y comprensible acorde a su edad.…”

Good professional practices for promoting positive parenting and child participation in reunification processes

“…Some authors note the importance of this professional support throughout the entire process, particularly in the moment of the child's homecoming (Balsells, Pastor, Molina, Fuentes‐Pelaez, & Vázquez, ; Farmer & Wijedasa, ).…”

“…These practices include establishing open and honest communication (Yatchmenoff, 2005), ensuring family participation in the process (Regional Research Institute for Human Services, 1998;Rooney, 2009), showing commitment to the family (Cheng, 2010;Schofield, Beek, Ward, & Sellick, 2011), being respectful and empathetic (Forrester, Westlake, & Glynn, 2012), building trust with the family and involving both parents and children in the process (Keddell, 2011), and establishing a collaborative rather than controlling relationship (Balsells, 2007;Dumbrill, 2006). Some authors note the importance of this professional support throughout the entire process, particularly in the moment of the child's homecoming (Balsells, Pastor, Molina, Fuentes-Pelaez, & Vázquez, 2016;Farmer & Wijedasa, 2013).…”