Ending Care Relationships: Carer Perspectives on Managing 'Endings' within a Part-Time Fostering Service

In: Adoption & fostering: quarterly journal, Band 35, Heft 4, S. 20-28

Abstract

Limited attention has been paid to endings in social care in either literary discussion or empirical research. Louise Roberts explores this topic in relation to Support Care, a family preservation service aimed at those 'in need' and undergoing particularly stressful periods. The service is a development of traditional respite breaks for disabled children, providing children (not exclusive to those with disabilities) with a series of short breaks in carers' homes, while parents attempt to resolve difficulties. Typically the service spans a six- to nine-month period. Semi-structured interviews were completed with nine carers within one local authority area. They revealed differing views, experience and practice with regard to ending relationships. Despite the part-time, time-limited nature of the service, close relationships often developed with the result that endings were often emotionally challenging for both carers and children. Well-managed endings are associated with maintaining future progress and the emotional well-being of service users. This contrasts with carers' descriptions of a detached bureaucratic 'system' which can dictate the conclusion of relationships suddenly and abruptly. It is suggested that the subject of social care endings deserves increased practice and academic attention.