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Restriction lift date:2023-09-28
Citation:Lotty, M., Bantry-White, E. and Dunn-Galvin, A. (2020) 'The experiences of foster carers and facilitators of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: A process study', Children and Youth Services Review, 119, 105516 (10 pp). doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105516
This process study explored the experiences of foster carers and facilitators who participated in Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Program which was implemented in 2017 in the national child welfare agency in Ireland. This intervention was a psychoeducational program for foster carers, developed in respond to a gap in training provision. Three focus groups were carried out with foster carers and facilitators that participated in the intervention. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: 1. Facilitating the reflective process 2. Transformative learning, 3. The carer-child relationship and 4. Sustainability. Findings suggest that Fostering Connections is highly acceptable to Irish foster carers. They experienced a process of change during the programme that led to them providing children with trauma-informed care. This was associated with more positive child-carer interactions and reduced observed child difficulties. However, to successfully sustain the changes foster carers have made, this study suggests ongoing supports for foster carers, training for the wider stakeholders in foster care and supports for facilitators are needed.
The research was motivated by a desire to make a contribution to reducing placement instability, particularly placement breakdown owing to its impact on children and the families who foster. The research emerged from a ...
This thesis examines the experiences of the biological children of foster carers. In particular it explores their experiences in relation to inclusion, consultation and decision-making. The study also examines the support ...
Roche, Eimear(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2012-04-18)
Background to the Study: This research has come about through the Science Shop Project within UCC. The CSO who proposed this research are The Irish Foster Care Association-Waterford Branch. IFCA-Waterford proposed that the ...
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