The experiences of foster carers and facilitators of Fostering Connections: The Trauma-informed Foster Care Program: A process study
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Accepted version
Date
2020-09-28
Authors
Lotty, Maria
Bantry-White, Eleanor
Dunn-Galvin, Audrey
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Published Version
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Foster carers , Foster care, Ireland , Foster carers' experiences , Foster care
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