TY - JOUR
T1 - Agency and its Constraints among Biological Children of Foster Carers
AU - Roche, Steven
AU - Noble-Carr, Debbie
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Australian Association of Social Workers.
PY - 2017/1/2
Y1 - 2017/1/2
N2 - There is currently limited understanding of biological children of foster carers and their experiences of foster care placements. This article presents findings from focus groups with biological children that shed light on their perspectives and experiences. Findings indicate biological children are competent social actors who contribute to, and seek to influence, the care environment in their homes. However, due to a lack of recognition, information, and support, biological children’s agency is constrained and their challenges exacerbated. This article argues for increased recognition, information and support for biological children, advocating for a “whole-of-family” approach to foster care practice and policy.
AB - There is currently limited understanding of biological children of foster carers and their experiences of foster care placements. This article presents findings from focus groups with biological children that shed light on their perspectives and experiences. Findings indicate biological children are competent social actors who contribute to, and seek to influence, the care environment in their homes. However, due to a lack of recognition, information, and support, biological children’s agency is constrained and their challenges exacerbated. This article argues for increased recognition, information and support for biological children, advocating for a “whole-of-family” approach to foster care practice and policy.
KW - Child and Family Welfare
KW - Children
KW - Foster Care
KW - Out-of-home Care
KW - Qualitative Research
KW - Social Work
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84976316567&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/0312407X.2016.1179771
DO - 10.1080/0312407X.2016.1179771
M3 - Article
SN - 0312-407X
VL - 70
SP - 66
EP - 77
JO - Australian Social Work
JF - Australian Social Work
IS - 1
ER -