The Experiences of Foster Carers’ Birth Children of Living in Fostering Families: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

The task of foster care impacts all members of the fostering family, not least the birth children of foster carers. This systematic review provides a qualitative evidence synthesis of the experiences of birth children and adolescents of foster carers. Utilizing thematic synthesis, data from 15 identified studies were analyzed, with five analytical themes identified: “Responsibility and Power in the Fostering Task,” “Adaptations of the Family System,” “Buffering against the Challenges of Fostering,” “Shaped by the Realities of Fostering,” and “Collaborating with Others beyond the Family.” Themes are discussed in terms of existing research and implications for future research and practice.