“Damage control”: exploring communication sense-making within foster exit conversations from the U.S. foster parent perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Guided by the communicated sense-making (CSM) theoretical model (Koenig Kellas, J., & Kranstuber Horstman, H. (2015). Communicated narrative sense-making: Understanding family narratives, storytelling, and the construction of meaning through a communicative lens. In L. H. Turner, & R. West (Eds.), The sage handbook of family communication (2nd ed, pp. 76–90). Sage), the current study explored foster parent–child sense-making within conversations about the child’s exit from the foster parent’s care (i.e. foster exit conversations; henceforth, FECs). Specifically, this study examined the CSM devices animating FECs, as reported by 21 U.S. foster parents. Findings revealed the use of (a) accounts, including concessions, excuses, and justifications (b) CPT in the form of agreement, attentiveness, positive tone, and providing space to talk, and (c) transition metaphors in FECs. Findings highlight useful ways to facilitate sense-making, resilience, and coping for foster youth and families amid transitions. The conclusion discusses limitations and directions for future research.