Social Work - Theses

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    The needs of foster and kinship carers and the mental health and wellbeing of children
    Fergeus, Joshua Paul ( 2020)
    Children and young people in foster and kinship care are far more likely to experience mental health problems than their mainstream peers (Baker, Kurland, Curtis, Alexander & Papa-Lentini, 2007; Milburn, Lynch & Jackson, 2008; Teggart & Menary, 2010; Ford, Vostanis, Meltzer & Goodman, 2011), with more than half of this cohort demonstrating a measureable need for mental health services (Tarren-Sweeney & Vetere, 2013). The input of carers has been found to be a key determinant in the outcomes for the children in their care (Blythe, Wilkes & Halcomb, 2014). This thesis seeks to build on the existing literature through three primary research questions: what is the nature and extent of the relationship between the role of carers and the mental health of children in foster and kinship care?; what unmet needs do foster and kinship carers experience, and how do these unmet needs impact on their caregiving role?; and what opportunities exist to better support carers to meet the mental health needs of children? The study utilises a mixed methodology, including a scoping review of available literature and two phases of data collection. In phase one, structured focus groups and interviews were conducted with thirty-one foster and kinship carers. In phase two, the carer version of the Carers’ and Users’ Expectation of Services survey was used to guide a further sixty-eight interviews with carers. Results were partially published in three peer-reviewed journal articles, detailing findings including a lack of systemic support for foster and kinship carers and a range of barriers which affect their ability to promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their care (Fergeus, Humphreys, Harvey & Herrman, 2018). These barriers may include insufficient resources and training, and a lack of understanding of the carer role. The study makes a substantial contribution to the understanding of the complexities of the carer-child relationship through the examination of the needs of foster and kinship carers and an analysis of how unmet needs may impact on the ability of carers to effectively discharge their role (Fergeus, Humphreys, Harvey & Herrman, 2019). Key implications for practice are discussed including the need to recognise and respond to the critical nature of the role of the carer in realising positive outcomes for children and young people in care through ensuring timely and appropriate support for carers.