Relational and cultural continuity for children in foster care; A critical exploration of national policies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Ireland and Scotland

Abstract

Based on an analysis of 14 national child welfare policies, the paper explores how relational and cultural continuity are framed in national foster care policies in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Ireland and Scotland, particularly focusing on the implications for children with migrant backgrounds. While most policies tend to recognise the significance of the child’s cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic background, most appear to lack specific guidance of how to ensure relational and cultural continuity of children when placed in foster care. Overall, we find little specific reference to circumstances of children with migrant backgrounds in the policies. The paper critically discusses four patterns. The first is the policies’ emphasis on relational continuity of children’s adult relationships over peer relationships. Secondly, there seems to be a strong emphasis on the significance of parental contact, with much less attention to contact with family members like siblings, grandparents and other relatives. With one exception, we observe no reference to transnational family relationships. Thirdly, with little attention to cultural variations, the policies appear to presuppose that everyone share the norms and values of the Western and dominant culture. The last pattern points to an apparent dilemma or a difficult balance between attending to the child’s immediate care and safety needs simultaneously as cultural and relational continuity are promoted.