How children experience fostering outcomes: participatory research with children

In: Child & family social work, Band 12, Heft 4, S. 349-359

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper presents findings from longitudinal research that uses quantitative and qualitative methods to explore children's perceptions of outcomes of the care experience. Children's self‐assessments on two occasions reflect a high level of psychosocial need. Important relationships emerged regarding the children's judgements of their interpersonal skills and attachments. Children who displayed stronger maternal attachment were likely to sustain highly cohesive relationships with the rest of the foster family. Themes emerging from the data are discussed, including the role of foster mothers and fathers in enhancing developmental outcomes for children.