Exploring Foster Carer Perceptions and Experiences of Placements and Placement Support

Abstract

Amandeep Samrai, Helen Beinart and Peter Harper report on a study exploring foster carers' experiences of placements and placement support, including their views of current services. Eight foster carers employed by a local authority, with fostering experience ranging from two to 22 years, were interviewed. The qualitative method of Grounded Theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) was used to analyse verbatim data from eight semi-structured interviews. Six main categories emerged through the analysis. The theory constructed from the data suggests that support formed the basis of a successful placement and that there are interactions between the support the foster carer received and their relationship with social workers and the child. Successful placements occurred when both relationship cycles worked effectively in the context of appropriate support. Related clinical and service implications are discussed and suggestions for future research outlined.