Carer engagement as a key determinant of quality in out-of-home care

Objectives: This study investigated perspectives of foster carers regarding factors influencing placement trajectories of children living in out-of-home care in Queensland, Australia. Methods: The study sample included 21... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: This study investigated perspectives of foster carers regarding factors influencing placement trajectories of children living in out-of-home care in Queensland, Australia.
Methods: The study sample included 21 male and female carers with an average of 31 years’ experience in providing out-of-home care. Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling strategy chosen to facilitate access to a hard to identify social group across a large geographical area. Study data were collected from 45-90 minute semi-structured telephone interviews in which carers were asked to share their experience of factors that impact on placement stability and placement movement. Carer responses were analysed thematically.
Results: Data analysis yielded a key area of influence over placement trajectory: Carer engagement, and three subthemes: engagement with the child; engagement with the child protection system; and, engagement with the caring role.
Conclusions: The engagement of carers at individual, family and systemic levels simultaneously is a critical example of the influence of complex relationships on placement trajectories in out-of-home care. The concept of ‘fit’ appears to be a moderating factor in this context, where fit refers to the ability of the child to form relationships, to integrate into a family structure and culture, and to emotionally connect in a meaningful way. The concept and experience of uncertainty appears to moderate carer engagement, undermining ‘fit,’ and negatively influencing placement outcomes. Successful out-of-home care placements appear to require a system that values and nurtures relationship across every level of the system aiming to build safety, stability and security for each child. The study findings provide an argument for the development and implementation of child protection policies that involve carers in decision making at systemic and individual levels.