Daly, Wayne (2015) From their viewpoint: children and young people on the attributes of esteemed foster carers. Developing Practice, August 2015 (42). pp. 19-32.

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Abstract

This paper, originally presented to the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies Practice Forum in Sydney on 5 November 2013, presents the opinion of children in foster care on the attributes of esteemed foster carers who have the capacity to provide stable environments and the ability to nurture children and young people in their present situation and along the path to developing as successful, responsible, healthy adults. Small focus groups and individual interviews, creative art expression and narrative tools were used to elicit responses regarding foster carer skills, knowledge, qualities, values and capacity. Findings point to the identification of a person who is a welcomer, an encourager, a believer and a respectful friend; a person who makes a significant contribution to the child or young person's well-being by listening to them, considering their opinions, connecting them to family and friends, actively supporting their education, promoting their involvement in activities and assisting them to advocate for their own interests. While children and young people acknowledged the importance of knowledge and skills in a foster carer, they stressed rather the intrinsic qualities of a person and the ordinary practical contributions they make: a foster carer's respect, trust, loyalty, honesty, and fairness, and their love and care. It is who the person is, their values, character and attitude that best describes the children and young people’s emphasis, their contributions highlighting qualities such as leadership, availability, acceptance, attentiveness, nurturing and compassion.

Item ID:	46895
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1445-6818
Keywords:	foster care, out-of-home care, participation, children and young people
Additional Information:	Abstract supplied by author.
Date Deposited:	19 Jan 2017 22:32
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160701 Clinical Social Work Practice @ 50% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160702 Counselling, Welfare and Community Services @ 50%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940105 Childrens/Youth Services and Childcare @ 100%
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