An Exploration of Foster Carers and their Experiences of Forming Positive Attachments with Looked After Children: A Thematic Analysis

Bond, Anastasia (2018) An Exploration of Foster Carers and their Experiences of Forming Positive Attachments with Looked After Children: A Thematic Analysis. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Current literature highlights the importance of positive attachments between foster carers and Looked After children, for overall placement success. Although, research exploring the individual experiences of foster carers and the main factors, which assist them in forming positive attachments is limited. The present study adopted a qualitative research design in order to explore the personal experiences of five foster carers in-depth. Four females and one male were recruited through opportunity sampling from private fostering agencies. Semi-structured in-person interviews were employed to yield as much information as possible from the participants. Data analysis was then meticulously carried out using the method of thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the data; biological family, education and support. Recommendations for future research were then discussed. For example, a more heterogeneous sample of foster carers is required. This is so that the experiences of foster carers in forming positive attachments with Looked After children can be explored further, across different sub-groups.