Needs and experiences of biological children of foster carers

Investigators

Dr Debbie Noble-Carr, Jayna Farnham, Christine Dean, Dr Steve Roche (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University

Aims

• Identify the needs and challenges experienced by biological children of foster carers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
• Assess implications for policies and practices in the foster care sector

Background

This scoping study addressed the under-recognised impacts on biological children in foster families, as these children often face significant challenges and responsibilities without sufficient support. Increasing the understanding of their role is essential to better support foster care families and improve foster care retention.

Project details

This scoping study was conducted by two social work students, Jayna Farnham and Christine Dean, under the supervision of researchers from the Institute of Child Protection Studies, Debbie Noble-Carr and Steve Roche.

The study was based on interviews and focus groups with nine families, recruited from a foster care agency in the ACT. It aimed to deepen our understanding of the experiences and impacts of fostering on biological children of foster carers.

Research questions

1. What are the needs and experiences of the biological children of foster carers within the ACT?
2. What are the policy and practice implications of these children's needs and experiences for the ACT foster care sector?

Method

• Conducted a systematic literature review
• Consulted with key stakeholders, including foster care agencies and biological children's focus groups (ages 8-17)
• Facilitated focus groups to gain in-depth insights into children's experiences

Findings

• Positive impacts: Children gained empathy, resilience, and broader social awareness.
• Challenges: Issues included sharing family resources, coping with challenging behaviours of foster children, and feeling isolated or overlooked.
• Support needs: Biological children highlighted the need for more information, training, and peer-based support activities.

Projected community impact

To ensure that foster carers can continue with providing care for vulnerable children, the needs and experiences of biological children must be recognised and incorporated into appropriate family-centred information and support.

Publications

Noble-Carr, D., Farnham, J., & Dean, C. (2014). Needs and Experiences of Biological Children of Foster Carers: A Scoping Study. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Noble-Carr, D., Farnham, J., Dean, C., & Barry, E. (2015). Needs and Experiences of Biological Children of Foster Carers. Research to Practice Series, Issue 8, January. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Roche, S., & Noble-Carr, D. (2017). Agency and its Constraints among Biological Children of Foster Carers. Australian Social Work, 70(1), 66-77.

Project timeline

Completed 2014

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au