Abstract
Face-to-face interviews with a sub-sample of 40 (TFC) carers both of restored and non-restored children, and a focus group of 9 carers who had experienced the process of reunification and therefore could reflect on their experiences, were analysed. Carers’ insights on reunification decision making and the outcomes for children and their birth families or kin after temporary out of home care are examined. Carers’ insights where reunification was not the outcome were also explored. Carers believed that having their own needs met as carers is most important, through specialist training and peer support specific to reunification, and by establishing highly supportive relationships with caseworkers who understood the demands returning children home places on caregivers.
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Fernandez, E. (2013). The Carer’s Contributions and Experience. In: Accomplishing Permanency: Reunification Pathways and Outcomes for Foster Children. SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5092-0_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5092-0_8
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