Abstract
AbstractThe experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) young people in care have been overlooked in England, in both policy and research. This paper reports on findings from the first study of LGBTQ young people in care in England and focuses on the nature of foster carers' experiences and perspectives on caring for LGBTQ young people. Qualitative interviews regarding the fostering role in caring for LGBTQ young people were conducted with a sample of foster carers (n = 26) and analysed thematically. Foster carers described the importance of offering LGBTQ young people not only the nurturing relationships that all children in care need but also availability, sensitivity and acceptance to help young people manage stigma and other challenges associated with minority sexual orientation and gender identity. The Secure Base caregiving model provided a framework for analysing the different dimensions of these relationships. Understanding caregiving roles and relationships for LGBTQ young people in care has important implications for recruiting, training, matching and supporting foster carers to care for LGBTQ young people effectively.
Highlights
The experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) young people in care have been overlooked in England, in both policy and research
This paper reports on findings from the first study of LGBTQ young people in care in England (Cossar et al, 2017)
The study included a national survey of services in England, three focus groups of professionals, 46 narrative interviews with LGBTQ young people aged 11–26 (m = 19) who were or had been in care, and telephone interviews with 26 foster carers regarding the nature of their experience of caring for LGBTQ young people
Summary
The experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) young people in care have been overlooked in England, in both policy and research. This paper reports on findings from the first study of LGBTQ young people in care in England (Cossar et al, 2017). For young people in foster care from troubled family backgrounds, the concept of a secure base can be helpful in defining the therapeutic caregiving that they need (Beek & Schofield, 2004; Schofield & Beek, 2009, 2018). LGBTQ young people in foster families are likely to have many of the same needs as other fostered adolescents, but they face additional challenges.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
