The voice of children in foster care

Abstract

The ideal image of a care-free, happy family sometimes is far from reality and unfortunately, the probability of such a scenario is decreasing, resulting in a substantial number of children not being able to live within their natural family. Foster care provides a safe refuge for a child within the love and care of a foster family. It offers the child a second chance in having a nurturing homely environment in which to grow, live and develop in. This research values children in foster care as the main protagonists of the foster care system. The purpose of this is to provide a narrative of their experience within foster care, highlighting their thoughts, feelings, possible difficulties and most importantly their needs. This study is intended to further project the voice of children in foster care. This was done by conducting interviews with six children, between the ages of eight and twelve, who are currently living in a foster care placement. The data was collected by in-depth, semi-structured interviews, an exercise worked out with the children and observations. A tape-recorder was used to record the data more precisely. Journals of each interview and transcripts of important issues highlighted during the interviews were done. Consequently, the data was analyzed in themes which correspond with the aims and purposes of this study and later, discussed in the light of the literature reviewed. Even thoueh it cannot be said that the findings are representative of the larger population of children in foster care, it seemed that the children have accepted their foster status and that they are benefiting from a stable homely ambience, being part of their foster family. It has not been disregarded that such transition did not leave an imprint on the children, but it seems that foster care has served as a healing program for the children concerned. It is concluded that children, through the opportunity of having an individualized program of care within their foster home, are able to work through the effects of the challenging childhood they might have had, developing into being able to reestablish attachment ties with significant others. Through findings and conclusions, it can be said that fostering is an area which needs to be promoted so as to further advocate the best interests of children in care.