Qualitative Studies of Foster Carer Experiences in Providing Out of Home Care for Children: A Scoping Review and Narrative Synthesis

In this scoping review, we examined the available qualitative research exploring the experiences of non-relative foster carers providing out of home care for children. Qualitative articles covering the last twenty-five years were extracted from eight databases, Google Scholar and a hand search of the reference sections of identified journals. Using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-two articles were retained for analysis. A relatively high degree of consistency was found amongst the studies from a range of countries. Five major themes were identified: Open communication of a child's needs and behaviours; Full spectrum support; Challenges; Stress; and Rewards. The Challenges theme comprised three sub-themes: Anticipating being a family, Carer bond and loss and Inherent limits of training. The themes reflected by the foster carers encompassed both stresses associated with the challenges of fostering children and personal rewards that encouraged them to begin and maintain their role as carers. The possible implications for practice and further research of the findings are discussed. In this review, we investigated qualitative research exploring the experiences of non-relative foster carers providing care for children. We examined the findings of twenty-two qualitative studies carried out over twenty-five years. The articles in our analysis were based on specific criteria; therefore, articles researching the experiences of care by relatives were excluded. The studies revealed a relatively high degree of consistency in the experiences of the foster carers. Five major themes emerged from our analysis of the carers' experiences and were highlighted through the personal comments of carers. We identified these themes as: Open communication of a child's needs and behaviours; Full spectrum support; Challenges, Stress; and Rewards. The Challenges theme was found to comprise of a further three sub-themes: Anticipating being a family; Carer bond and loss; and Inherent limits of training. The themes revealed by the foster carers reflected both stresses associated with the challenges of fostering and personal rewards that encouraged them to begin and maintain their role as carers. The review emphasises possible implications for foster care practice, as well as the areas of foster care needing further research.