Adoption & Fostering

Linnie Price, Judy Ravenscroft and Sandra Nutley report on the perceived effectiveness of a set of materials (the Fostering Voices pack) aimed at disseminating the messages emerging from research in the field of fostering services. Having commissioned a review of the body of research on fostering, the DfES funded production of materials — a combination of video CDs and targeted leaflets — to ensure that the research messages were taken up in practice. Two questionnaire surveys of a range of stakeholders (including social care practitioners, foster carers, young people in foster care, education advisers and managers) and researchers were used to gauge the effectiveness of the pack, including its actual and intended use. The multifaceted Fostering Voices pack was perceived to be a successful and effective mechanism for communicating relevant information and messages, with both the content and format highlighted as particular strengths. An overwhelming majority of stakeholders indicated that access to the pack would change their practice.

The dissemination of authoritative research knowledge is essential for professional development in children's services, yet there is little evidence available to suggest how this might be best achieved. The previous article (Price et al, 2006) shows that when research findings are presented in a variety of ways, the products are valued by professionals but more needs to be done if success is to broaden. In this article by Roger Bullock two questions and four challenges facing social researchers are considered in the light of the changing nature of children's services, new technology and the activities of a voluntary UK organisation concerned with adoption and fostering. Recommendations to improve the relationship between research, policy and practice are made.

The foster care system in Britain is under pressure, with local authorities finding it difficult to offer sufficient placement choice to looked after children, so the retention of existing foster carers is vital. Foster carers' dissatisfaction with the attitude and support offered by social services has been linked to their premature departure from fostering. Flora Maclay, Maureen Bunce and David G Purves explore the quality of the relationship between foster carers and local authority social workers and how it develops. From interviews with foster carers, four principle themes emerged: foster carers often feel under-supported and undervalued; independent networking acts as a survival mechanism; foster carers become more assertive with social workers over time; and some carers are able to manage the system whereas others become dragged into draining conflict. A model tracing the evolution of the relationship that foster carers have with social workers, from entry into the service to departure, is proposed to explain the existing levels of conflict. Recommendations for change within the system are suggested.

Recent developments in fostering services have led foster carers increasingly to identify themselves as professionals. Kate Wilson and Julia Evetts review some of the changes in the service which suggest that foster care arguably can no longer be seen as a voluntary activity and that the changes in the role now required can only be carried out successfully in the context of a fully professionalised service. However, the article draws on three sociological perspectives to argue that professionalising foster care may only be a means by which managers can increase control of the workforce ‘from a distance’. The article argues that although professionalisation can be a way of bringing proper recognition, status and standards of practice, carers and practitioners should view cautiously the managerial motivation in moves towards it.

It has been estimated that only one in ten people making an adoption enquiry go on to adopt. Lorraine Wallis undertook a study to explore these potential losses. She presents the results of a survey completed by 245 people who had made an enquiry with one of 17 adoption agencies in England. This random sample of enquirers was designed to explore the links between the characteristics of enquirers, their decision-making about adoption and their experience of making an enquiry. The findings indicate a less pessimistic view of the outcome of people's adoption enquiry, with 46 per cent beginning the adoption process. However, it indicates the difficulties enquirers have in asking questions and finding answers to concerns about their eligibility. It shows the links between enquirers' social and economic background and the decision-making process they undertake. The study highlights the vulnerability of some enquirers to poor agency responses and the impact that enquirers' support networks and knowledge of organisations has on the outcome of their enquiry. These are issues adoption agencies need to address if they are to maximise the potential of those coming forward to enquire about adoption.

Previous research has shown that looked after children and young people are vulnerable to poor life outcomes, including early pregnancy. Abigail Knight, Elaine Chase and Peter Aggleton discuss findings from a Department of Health-funded study on teenage pregnancy among young people in and leaving care. Using in-depth interviews, data were collected from 63 recently looked after young people aged 15 to 24 and from 78 associated professionals from a range of backgrounds, across four research sites. This paper focuses specifically on young people's experiences of foster care and the interface between foster care and the emotional influences surrounding pregnancy, opportunities for and challenges to learning about sex and relationships, and the provision of support during pregnancy and early parenthood. Findings suggest the need to provide foster carers with support, training and guidance concerning relevant and appropriate education for young people with regard to sex and relationships. The findings also indicate the need for specialist guidance on these matters in mother and baby foster care placements so as to benefit foster carers, young parents and their babies alike.