What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

Randle, Melanie; Miller, Leonie M; Dolničar, Sara

doi:10.1111/cfs.12402

Cited by 20 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Even if they were aware of maternal substance use, they may not have been aware of what substances mothers had used. Poor communication between foster carers and social service professionals is a persistent problem repeatedly reported in the literature [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In a recent study of 1095 foster carers, less than half ( n = 456, 46%) reported receiving sufficient background information when a child was placed into their care [ 33 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian Foster Carers’ Views and Concerns Regarding Maternal Drug Use and the Safety of Breastmilk

et al. 2021

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Parental substance misuse and mental health issues are major factors associated with infant placement into out-of-home care. Such placements may result in disruption and/or cessation of breastfeeding. Provision of breastmilk to infants in out-of-home care (OOHC) is desirable in terms of infant health and development, and also in supporting maternal caregiving. However, little is known about how breastfeeding is supported for infants in out-of-home care. This study used an online survey to explore the facilitation of breastfeeding in the context of OOHC and foster carers’ management of expressed breastmilk (EBM). Foster carers were generally open to the idea of maternal breastfeeding and infants in their care receiving EBM from their mothers. However, the majority of respondents expressed concern regarding the safety of EBM for infant consumption due to the possibility of harmful substances in the milk. Concerns regarding the safety of handling EBM were also prevalent. These concerns caused foster carers to discard EBM. Findings suggest foster carers’ may lack knowledge related to maternal substance use and breastmilk. Better integration between health care and social service systems, where the voices of mothers, foster carers and child protection workers are heard, is necessary to develop solutions enabling infants living in OOHC access to their mother’s breastmilk.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australian Foster Carers’ Views and Concerns Regarding Maternal Drug Use and the Safety of Breastmilk

et al. 2021

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“…The very limited notice of a young person arriving, as described by some carers here, is consistent with findings in other localities (Sirriyeh, 2013) and reinforces the need for advance preparation. Carers’ recollections of not having known what to expect the first time an unaccompanied young person moved into placement carry particular weight in the light of previous research, which has indicated that clear expectations before a placement can help to avoid disappointment (Sinclair, Gibbs and Wilson, 2004), improve carers’ sense of preparedness (Geiger, Hayes and Litz, 2014) and enhance their sense of being supported by their fostering agency (Randle, Miller and Dolnicar, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking young people: the views of foster carers on their training and support needs

Sidery

2019

Adoption & Fostering

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The implementation of the National Transfer Scheme, whereby local authorities across the UK are encouraged to voluntarily receive unaccompanied young asylum seekers, has prompted a necessary focus on the training needs of those caring for this population. As agencies consider how to build their capacity to support unaccompanied young people, this study set out to learn from the experiences and views of foster carers, in order to inform the development of effective carer training and support. Eight semi-structured interviews were undertaken with foster carers who have cared for unaccompanied young people in one county in the South West of England. The findings draw attention not only to the potential benefits of training focused specifically on fostering unaccompanied young people, but also reveal aspects of the impact that limited access to training and support can have upon carers. The findings shed light on the carers' experiences of encountering 'unknown' factors and allow new insight into the networks they had developed over time to enhance their ability to access information and support as new challenges arise. Possible implications for local authorities and fostering agencies are considered.

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“…As part of their caregiving role, foster carers are supported by and accountable to foster care agencies (Randle, Miller and Dolnicar, 2017). These are responsible for providing training and facilitating access to professional services, respite and financial support.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An exploration of the self-care practices of foster carers in Australia

Gowan

Peel

Elcombe

et al. 2023

Adoption & Fostering

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Practising self-care is vital for foster carers to cope with the stresses of the caring role, provide the best care possible and continue in their task. This current study contributes to emerging research on the self-care practices of foster carers in Australia and worldwide. It used an exploratory design, surveying 148 foster carers about their self-care and conducting individual, semi-structured interviews enabling nine of them to elaborate on their self-care experiences. The results indicate that while the participants sometimes engage in self-care and value it as a way of maintaining their wellbeing and increasing their caregiving capacity, they face several barriers to doing this. These include the multiple responsibilities of the foster carer role, children’s commitments, employment and finances. Facilitators of self-care include social and family support, contact with other carers and carer respite. Foster care agencies and the out-of-home care system should aim to meet the self-care needs of carers by providing increased support, resources and education.

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What can agencies do to increase foster carer satisfaction?

Cited by 20 publications

References 31 publications

Australian Foster Carers’ Views and Concerns Regarding Maternal Drug Use and the Safety of Breastmilk

Australian Foster Carers’ Views and Concerns Regarding Maternal Drug Use and the Safety of Breastmilk

Fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking young people: the views of foster carers on their training and support needs

An exploration of the self-care practices of foster carers in Australia

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