The relationship between foster carers and looked after children: implications for mental health

Abstract

Section A
This section presents a systematic critical review of longitudinal studies exploring looked-after children’s attachment during foster care placements. Nine studies were identified, with three evidencing changes towards attachment security in children across time. Issues related to the measurement of attachment and methodological quality of the studies are presented for consideration, with implications for clinical practice and further research outlined.

Section B
This section presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of foster carers’ perceptions of their role in children’s mental health. Nine foster carers participated in the study. Three super-ordinate themes encompassing 10 sub-themes were identified. Results are discussed in the context of the existing literature, alongside recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English