Hearing the voices of kinship foster carers in Northern Ireland
An inquiry into characteristics, needs and experiences
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13009607 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stan Houston (0000-0003-4544-4425, Queen's University Belfast, corresponding author), Davy Hayes (0000-0001-7053-9069, Queen's University Belfast), Mandi MacDonald (0000-0002-7433-712X, Queen's University Belfast) |
| Year | 2016 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 227-247 |
| Publication date | 2016-07-19 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Families Relationships and Societies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2046-7435 • E-ISSN: 2046-7443 |
| Publisher | Policy Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1332/204674316x14676449115315 |
| OpenAlex | W2603943153 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 5 |
This study describes an investigation into the characteristics, needs and experiences of kinship foster carers in Northern Ireland. By adopting a mixed-methods approach with 54 carers, a number of salient themes was captured. The respondents were predominantly grandparents who experienced a significant incidence of health-related issues. The cohort also endured high levels of stress, particularly at the beginning stage of the foster placement. Consequently, their need for practical, emotional and respite support was most evident. In terms of the children for whom they cared, many required help at school, and some presented with challenging emotions and behaviours. Overall, these findings emphasised the importance of relationship-based social work and demonstration of accurate empathy to the carer
Developmental psychology · Empathy · Foster care · Foster parents · Grandparent · Kinship · Respite care · Sociology · Child Welfare and Adoption · Healthcare innovation and challenges · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Social Work
| Citations per year | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2018 - 2025 (8) |
| Highly cited | No |